The Asian Star October 7 2023

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www.theasianstar.com Vol 22 - Issue 36

First trial of India’s manned spaceflight may happen in November

The first unmanned trial spaceflight of India’s manned space mission, Gaganyaan, “may be ready for takeoff next month,” said Union minister of state for science and space, Jitendra Singh. Speaking at industry body Assocham’s Quantum Technology Conclave in Delhi on Thursday, Singh said that feats such as the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, as well as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and the Aditya-L1 solar mission, have catapulted India to prominence in global space economy. “India, in the space sector, is no longer looked upon as a follower—major developed economies are looking to partner alongside India for space technologies and initiatives, driven by the success of the likes of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, the Aditya-L1 solar mission, and the upcoming Gaganyaan manned space mission, Continued on page 7

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‘Bangladesh is calling Canada a safe hub for all murderers’ Just as India is raising the issue of Canada giving a safe space to Khalistani extremists who carry out terror activities in India, Bangladesh has accused Canada of harbouring killers.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked up a diplomatic storm by linking India to the murder of a Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist wanted by Indian security agencies, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June. Trudea’s accusation was based on “credible allegations The diplomatic spat has brought to light how criminal fugitives not only find a safe space in Canada but also keep executive acts of terror in India.

Bangladesh has jumped into the issue by accusing Canada of harbouring killers. Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has

India stands firm to remove 41 diplomates despite Canada’s pleas India on Thursday signalled its determination to reduce Canada’s diplomatic presence in the country amid tensions over Canadian allegations of an Indian link to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying discussions are underway to achieve the downsizing.

Ealier this week, the Indian side asked Canada to withdraw several dozen diplomats, marking a further escalation

in the row. Reports have said Canada was asked to withdraw 41 diplomats by October 10, failing which their diplomatic immunity will be withdrawn.

New Delhi has described Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegation about the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar’s killing as “absurd” and said it is willing to consider any

Continued on page 7

Continued on page 17

Musk accuses Trudeau of ‘Crushing Free Speech’ amid India-Canada tension SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk slammed the Justin Trudeau government in Canada for “crushing free speech” in the country.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk slammed the Justin Trudeau government in

Canada for “crushing free speech” in the country. His remark came in wake of a recent order of the Canada government which makes it compulsory for online

streaming services to formally register with the government for ‘regulatory controls’.

Musk was responding to a post by journalist and author Glenn Greenwald who was commenting on the ruling.

Extremists ‘given operating space in Canada,’ says Indian minister An Indian minister has accused Canada of giving “operating space” to terrorists and extremists, as he rejected claims by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the Indian government may have

played a role in the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.

“The Canadian (prime minister) made some allegations initially privately, and

then publicly. And, our response to him, both in private and public, was that what he was alleging was not consistent with our policy,” India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said

For some, COVID-19 loans offered way to defraud the system A Toronto Uber driver had his bank accounts frozen after the bank became concerned that he inappropriately received

more than $4.5-million in COVID-19 aid, according to a recent Ontario court case that sheds light on how unprecedented

emergency-relief programs designed to offer businesses a lifeline during the height of the pandemic were abused by some recipients.

Continued on page 6

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

Homeless count shows 32% increase in Metro Vancouver since 2020 The first Metro Vancouver homeless count since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic found 4,821 people who had no place to live in the region a 32%t increase since 2020.

The Homelessness Services Association of B.C. published the results Thursday, noting in its report the total represents an “absolute minimum number of people” who were homeless on the day of the count. Although incomplete, the data sheds some light on the scale of the crisis and who is most vulnerable.

USA has strongly denied reports that the diplomatic face-off between India and Canada over Justin Trudeau’s allegations against the Narendra Modi government will worsen ties between New Delhi and Washington, DC. The US embassy issued the denial after a report in Washington-based

“Community members who took part in this process ask that when you review these data, remember that every number represents a person who is unhoused in the region, and took the time to tell their story through the survey to hope to help improve services for all,” the report’s preface says.

In 2023, the count showed that homelessness increased in all municipalities, a first since it was launched in 2005.

The largest percentage increases were in Surrey, Vancouver, and Burnaby.

Proposed BC law would make drug use illegal in almost all public spaces

USA rejects report claiming India-Canada row may hit Delhi-Washington ties publication Politico, titled ‘Why Biden’s mum on the India-Canada spat’. The report quoted an official as saying that US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had told his team that India-US ties “could get worse for a time”. It added that Garcetti had said the US

In introducing the bill in the legislature this morning, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said while the government “remains committed to the goals of decriminalization, which are to save lives and connect people to the care that they need… the province also recognizes that British Columbians want to feel safe as they move around their communities and to use and enjoy recreational spaces free from drug use.”

New legislation introduced Thursday makes it illegal to use drugs in almost all public spaces, including parks, beaches, playgrounds and bus stops and outside the doorways of businesses, residences and recreation centres. It’s a significant walkback of the government’s decriminalization policy, launched in January, which aims to destigmatize people who use drugs and as a result reduce the number of fatal overdoses.

“may need to reduce its contacts with Indian officials for an undefined period of time”.

A statement issued by the US Embassy in India says, “The U.S. Embassy dismisses these reports. Ambassador Garcetti working hard every day to deepen the partnership

between the people and govts of USA

and India. As his personal engagement and public schedule demonstrates, Ambassador Garcetti and the U.S. Mission to India are working every day to advance the important, strategic, and consequential partnership we have with India.”

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Local / National

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Incoming Manitoba premier Wab Kinew says focus turns to fixing health care Incoming Manitoba premier Wab Kinew says the hard work begins now as his New Democrats work to fulfil their campaign promise to fix health care in the province.

Kinew says that work includes adding front-line health staff while building new emergency rooms and a cancer care facility.

Kinew is set to become Canada’s first First Nations provincial premier. His party defeated the Progressive Conservatives on Tuesday to form a majority government.

The result led to the resignation of the other two main party leaders,

including PC Premier Heather Stefanson.

Stefanson announced she would step down after leading the Tories for nearly two years.

As of Wednesday morning, Stefanson was narrowly holding onto her seat in the Winnipeg riding of Tuxedo.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont resigned after he lost his Winnipeg riding and his party was reduced to one seat from the previous three. Kinew told reporters Wednesday that he’s pleased voters rejected the politics of division and embraced his party’s message of unity.

India seeks ‘parity’ with Canada amid reports of diplomatic downsizing India is seeking diplomatic “parity” with Canada amid reports New Delhi has told Ottawa to significantly reduce its official presence in the country.

Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry, made the declaration Thursday to reporters as the diplomatic row over the murder of a Canadian citizen and Sikh leader continues to deepen.

“Given the much higher diplomatic presence of Canadian diplomats and their continuing interference in our internal affairs, we had and we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence,” he said.

“Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this.” Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa have soured since last month

when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there is “credible” evidence that agents of the Indian government may have played a role in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia this summer. India has denied the accusations, calling them “absurd.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said last week that after receiving an intelligence briefing, he could “confirm” that “clear evidence” of New Delhi’s alleged involvement exists.

On Tuesday, The Financial Times and The Associated Press reported that India has told Canada it must repatriate 41 of its 62 diplomats by Oct. 10. New Delhi has threatened to revoke their diplomatic immunity if they remain past that date, sources with knowledge of the matter told the outlets.

Teen caught going nearly 200km/h on North Van highway The driver, who had a learner’s licence, was racing with another vehicle, says RCMP .

A 19-year-old driver has been slapped with $1,500 in fines after he was caught speeding at nearly 200 km/h on a North Vancouver highway.

The driver was clocked going 199 km/h on the Upper Levels Highway near Lonsdale Avenue on Friday during an RCMP traffic enforcement blitz targeting high-risk driving. The posted speed limit in the area is 80 km/h.

The driver, who had a learner’s licence, was racing with another vehicle, said

police. When stopped by the officer, the driver protested, saying, “The other driver was going faster.” At the time, the North Vancouver teen was also carrying too many passengers and was driving without a supervisor, contrary to the requirements of the learner’s permit.

He was issued tickets for excessive speed, driving without due care and attention and driving contrary to restrictions carrying a total of almost $1,500. His vehicle was also impounded for seven days.

RCMP said officers weren’t able to stop the second racer.

Repeat violent offender released again in Vancouver The latest chapter in the story of a wellknown B.C. chronic offender is being highlighted as yet another example of dysfunction in the criminals justice system.

Mohammed Majidpour has more than 30 prior convictions, including assault and assault with a weapon. On Wednesday, the 36-year-old was in Community Court in Vancouver facing a charge of failing to report to a probation officer just six days after his most recent sentencing in August. He walked out of jail in his socks, with his personal belongings packed into a clear plastic bag, after the court released him on a series of conditions.

Those include reporting to a bail supervisor, attending the Downtown Community Court mental health program, or elsewhere as directed, and to participate in assessments, counselling and treatment — if he consents.

“It is absolutely outrageous,” BC United House Leader Todd Stone told Global News.

“It’s time for David Eby and his government to stop talking about the changes that need to be made to keep the public safe, and they actually need to start making it happen.”

Earlier this year, Majidpour pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon for striking a 19-yearold student over the head with a pole in September 2022 and hurling a racial slur

Vancouver awards $800K in grants to Atira as troubled housing non-profit touts ‘reset’ Tensions between the City of Vancouver and its biggest non-profit housing provider appear to be thawing.

In May, the city froze all funding to the Atira Women’s Resources Society, in the wake of a damning audit that found a conflict of interest between its former CEO and her husband, who headed BC Housing.

On Wednesday, Vancouver city council

unanimously voted to approve nearly $800,000 in grants as the housing operator works to build back public trust. On Tuesday, Atira released a “100 day” update on its efforts to “reset” and renew the organization, including the creation of a new code of conduct and a whistleblowers’ line. “We have really realized that we have to regain trust, so to that end, we have been enabling transparency and partnership.

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Joly concerned and urges for talks after India reportedly orders dozens of Canadian diplomats to leave Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said on Tuesday she is concerned about the safety of India’s diplomats following the appearance of what she called an “unacceptable” poster for an upcoming protest in Toronto.

The poster is the latest in a string of problems in recent weeks that have increased tension between Ottawa and New Delhi over Sikh separatists in Canada. The upcoming protest is planned in memory of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed last month in a shooting in Surrey, B.C. Niijar was a vocal opponent of India

and supporter of an independent Sikh state, but police say they have found no link to India in their investigation. The protest is to begin Saturday at the Great Punjab Business Centre in Mississauga, Ont., and end at the Indian consulate near downtown Toronto. A poster for the event circulating on social media includes photos of India’s top two diplomats in Canada — High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and Toronto Consul General Apoorva Srivastava — and refers to them as “the faces of Niijar’s killers in Toronto.”

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OPINION

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Picking fight with India to cost Canada over $700 million in 2024: Study Canada could be bracing for an economic jolt of $700 million for picking a fight with India, a New Delhi-based independent think tank has revealed in its study.

Imagindia Institute concluded that the Canadian economy will take a hit of $700 million even if a mere 5 per cent drop is

recorded in the number of Indian students going to Canada for higher studies in 2024.

India is the biggest source of foreign students travelling to Canada every year, with annual intake pegged at around 200,000. In 2022, approximately 225,000 Indian students were granted Canadian visas.

Robinder Sachdev, the president of Imagindia, was quoted as saying by local news channel ETV Bharat that Indian students often go to Canada in three batches every year—In January, in May and in September.

“Around one-third or 66,000 go to Canada during the January intake,” he said.

The study says that the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic standoff has created fear psychosis among Indian students, which may lead to a drop in the number of students preferring Canada over other overseas destinations.

According to the study, the average total expense incurred by every Indian student in Canada is $16,000.

“This includes laptop purchase, housing costs, bank security and air ticket,” Sachdev told ETV. “The total expense for two years of study and stay comes to around $53,000 per student. The total money injected per student into the Canadian economy over two years is $69,000,” he said.

The study says that if a five per cent drop (3,300 fewer students) is registered in the January batch, the Canadian economy will be losing at least $230 million.

The study further says that if a similar drop is seen during May and September batches as well, the total loss to Canada will shoot up to $690 million. Lesser visa applications will also amount to lesser visa fees for the Canadian High Commission in India, a loss the study pegs at $3 million.

It must be noted that Indian students also contribute to the Canadian economy by working for local businesses after the completion of their studies. Fewer Indian students visiting Canada might lead to higher wage rates in the country, resulting in a loss of $34 million for small Canadian businesses.

Taking into account these factors, the Canadian economy is expected to suffer a loss of $727 million in total.

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

Kids learning in gym and staffroom at Surrey school awaiting portable setup One month into the school year, dozens of children at a Surrey school are still without a permanent classroom space.

Some students at the overcrowded Walnut Road Elementary School are learning on stage, in the gym or in the staffroom as new portables await use on the grounds.

“It’s a distraction for the kids because it’s not a permanent learning area,” said Saakshi Khanna, co-chair of the

school’s parent advisory committee.

“I would say they’re having their classes but I don’t know how effective that is.

I’m sure all the teachers are eager to get back into their permanent spaces so they can have that formal learning started.”

While Khanna’s son has a classroom space, she said the issue has been raised to her by other parents in the school’s “very close-knit community.”

Canadian publishers see traffic and revenue plunge as Meta blocks news over pay mandate Small and mid-size publishers across Canada are suffering sharp drops in traffic and revenue as Meta has been locked in a standoff with the government over a law requiring that it pay news organizations for their content, according to a report.

Meta yanked news from Canadian publishers from Facebook and Instagram in August after Canada’s Parliament approved legislation two months prior that calls on Meta and Google to compensate domestic media outlets when they promote their news reports.

The bill — dubbed Bill C-18, or the Online News Act — isn’t set to fully take effect until Dec. 19. Meta, however, has

already decided to stop sharing news from Canadian organizations rather than pay up, according to The Wall Street Journal.

BC to ban hard drug use on beaches or in front of businesses Amid significant concern around hard drug use in public places, the B.C. government has introduced legislation to expand areas where police can enforce consumption.

The new bill, dubbed the ‘Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act,’ would give police across the province authority to ask an individual to move on from an area or to stop consuming an illegal substance in the area.

It comes more than eight months into B.C.’s three-year pilot program with drug decriminalization.

According to the public safety minister, the legislation is meant to encourage people who use drugs to do so at overdose prevention sites to keep community spaces free of illegal drugs. It is not intended to result in arrests, but states that enforcement measures may be used if a person refuses.

“Although we have moved away form treating people like criminals, it is not okay to use drugs in areas where children play,” Farnworth told reporters on Thursday. “This is similar to what is in place for smoking, cannabis and vaping.”

If passed, the new restrictions would take effect in parks, sports fields, beaches, and any areawithinsixmetresofaworkplaceorbusiness.

British Columbia’s exemption to the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act took effect on Jan. 31, allowing adults to possess small amounts of certain drugs — opioids, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA — for personal use.

The decriminalization rules took away the police’s ability to arrest people for possessing those illegal drugs in quantities of 2.5 grams or less. The pilot comes to a close on Jan. 31, 2026.

Earlier this month, however, the province received federal approval to add a restriction to its decriminalization policy, prohibiting personal drug use possession in playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and spray parks. These spaces joined school premises and licensed childcare facilities where the possession of illicit drugs is prohibited.

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

For some, COVID-19 loans offered way to defraud the system From page 1

Justice Michael Penny of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that Bank of Nova Scotia BNS-T +0.61%increase was right to freeze Rabih George Barake’s accounts, saying that Mr. Barake accessed the government loans by means of fraudulent misrepresentation.

The case of fraud is one of the few to reach Canadian courts about federal COVID programs for business. These include the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) and the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). Money from improperly accessed loans has been left largely unrecovered, even as federal auditors have aggressively pursued repayment from pandemic-related aid given to individuals through programs such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

In a December report, AuditorGeneral Karen Hogan said billions of

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dollars in ineligible COVID benefits are at risk of going uncollected because the federal government is doing a poor job of identifying who should pay back money in aid programs. But her report did not look at COVID loan programs for businesses.

Mr. Barake, who was primarily employed as an Uber driver, received a total of $4.58-million in HASCAP and CEBA loans, according to the Ontario court ruling. He had previously dissolved most of the 16 businesses for which he requested COVID loans. But he resurrected them, including domain names and websites, shortly before applying for and receiving the loans between March and November, 2021.

On Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, 2022, Scotiabank froze 13 of Mr. Barake’s accounts, according to the court ruling. In March, 2022, Scotia Capital, the investment arm of the bank, froze Mr. Barake’s investment accounts, valued at $1.3-million at the time.

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, October 7, 2023 From page 1

‘Bangladesh is calling Canada a safe hub for all murderers’

has said Canada must not be a “hub of all the murderers”. “Murderers can go to Canada and take shelter, and they can have a wonderful life while those he killed, their relatives are suffering,” Momen said in a TV interview.

When asked about Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s killer who continues to live in Canada, Momen said, “He’s having a good life in Canada. He has been there. We have been requesting the Canadian government to send back the self-confessed killer of Bangabandhu, the father of our nation.

Unfortunately, Canada is not listening to us and they have come up with a variety of excuses.

So, we also went to the Canadian court to understand what is the status, since he has been staying in Canada for a long time.” Momen said.

Who are the Bangladeshi assassins Canada is sheltering?

In 1975, a coterie of middle-level Army officers planned a coup to topple Sheikh Mujib’s elected government and replace it with a military government. They chose August 15, India’s independence day, to carry out the coup. Who are the Bangladeshi assassins Canada is sheltering?

In 1975, a coterie of middle-level Army officers planned a coup to topple Sheikh Mujib’s elected government and replace it with a military government. They chose August 15, India’s independence day, to carry out the coup.

A daughter of Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, who along with his sister was away when Rahman and his family members were killed, is currently the prime minister of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is trying to bring back two of the fugitive army officers who were involved in shooting dead

the country’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and members of his family in cold blood at their Dhaka house on August 15, 1975.

Bangladesh’s Law & Justice Minister Anisul Huq in an exclusive interview with PTI last month said that his country was negotiating a return of two “self-confessed killers” of Sheikh Mujib - Rashed Chowdhury from the US and SHBM Noor Chowdhury from Canada.

“While the whereabouts of Major Shariful Haque Dalim, (a principal plotter behind the killing) is still not known, we know that Col Rashed Chowdhury is in the US and Noor Chowdhury, another of the coup plotter involved in the killing of Bangabandhu is in Canada,” Huq said.

Chowdhury has been living in Canada for nearly three decades, and current Canadian law restricts sending back convicts, primarily to countries where death sentences are carried out, ET reported recently. Canada remains obstinate on its position on the matter of extradition. sources told ET. “They killed the father of the nation and 17 members of his family... Given the heinous nature of the crime, we have tried to convince Canada to return Noor Chowdhury,” the minister told PTI. Two years ago, Abdul Majed, a former captain in the Bangladesh army and one of the killers, was hanged. He ha dbeen hiding in Kolkata. Ten years before that, five other convicts -- Syed Farooq Rahman, Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan, Bazlul Huda, AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed and Mohiuddin Ahmed -- were executed in January 2010, while a fifth Aziz Pasha died in Zimbabwe.

First trial of India’s manned spaceflight may happen in November From page 1

which may begin as early as next month.

All of this cannot be solely driven by the government—the

success of the US space economy is a clear example,” the minister said.

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7

Delta city council approves pair of six-storey appartments buildings near Scott Road A plan to put up a pair of six-storey apartment buildings in North Delta got a unanimous go ahead from Delta city council.

The proposal is to construct the buildings at 7728 at 119A Street in Delta and create 291 new suites.

Residents though peppered politicians with questions during a public hearing, after which council gave third reading to an official community plan and zoning bylaw amendment.

Linda Erickson, who was on the mayor’s housing task force, said she was concerned about more traffic on 119A Street and that the complex should have direct access to 120th Street. There also should be no street parking on the east side and resident-only parking on the west

side, adding the effect of development on 75A Avenue hasn’t been considered.

She also wanted a wider setback from the street and more trees planted.

With many housing developments in the area, North Delta is already making a “huge commitment to get ourselves off the naughty list,” Erickson said.

However, Delta Chamber of Commerce executive director Jill McKnight supported the project.

Many businesses need employees who live south of the Fraser River with accessible transportation, she said.

With the project being located on Scott Road, (120th Street) it’s located on a transportation corridor with the addition of the R6 RapidBus, she noted.

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Police face inherent danger in carrying out search warrants, experts say

3 people charged in 2022 Surrey murder: IHIT Three men have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the 2022 killing of Surrey’s Pawandeep Chopra.

Two Ontario men and one from Abbotsford charged in killing of Surrey’s Pawandeep Chopra in 2022.

Charges were laid on Tuesday against Lascel Tyndale, 24, of North York, Ontario, Juan Pablo Segovia-

Sanhueza, 22, of Brampton, Ontario, and Terry McDonald, 25, of Abbotsford.

The investigation was conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

“This was a complex investigation that spanned multiple provinces,” said Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT in a news release.

Chopra showed up at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Nov. 3, 2022 in critical condition with gunshot wounds and died on Nov. 5 as a result of his injuries.

Public safety warning issued for child sex offender living in Abbotsford Abbotsford police are warning that a repeat child sex offender will be living in Abbotsford. Hugh Alexander McCurry was released from Powell River on Sept. 29 on a release order.

McCurry has four convictions for sexual offences against children, dating back to 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2016.

He has a lifetime ban from attending public parks or swimming areas where children under 16 “can reasonably be expected to be present,” as well as daycares, schools, playgrounds and

community centres, according to a public safety notice issued by Abbotsford police.

He is barred from working in any role that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 or communicating or contacting anyone under 16 years old.

McCurry is 46 years old, 5’9 with grey hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone who sees McCurry in violation of any of the listed conditions is asked to call 911 immediately.

Nearly 200 kg of opium seized by BC border officials Border agents stopped nearly 200 kilograms of opium from entering B.C. in August, after discovering the drug hidden inside two inbound shipping containers.

The Canada Border Services Agency says the first bust was made on Aug. 15 at the Burnaby Container Examination Facility, when a team of officers and drug detecting

dogs found 150 kilograms of opium stuffed inside a piece of steel machinery.

Two weeks later, on Aug. 28, another team of officers and dogs at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility discovered another 46 kilograms of the illicit drug concealed in a piece of furniture.

9

Research shows six police officers have been killed while doing searches in three incidents since 1980, including the latest in Coquitlam .

There are inherent risks for police when they search a location to obtain evidence in an investigation, but those safety concerns can be mitigated through assessment and planning, say former police officers and criminologists.

Maple Ridge RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien was shot and killed on Sept. 22 as he and other officers, equipped with a warrant, were searching a Coquitlam apartment tower in connection to a drug investigation. Two other officers were injured, but no other details have been released by the RCMP. Use of the search warrant would have given the

officers the power to enter and search a location and to seize materials. Arrests can also be made during a search with a warrant.

Former police officers and criminologists who spoke with Postmedia would not comment specifically about the shooting.

But the talked generally about the approach that police take in deciding how to search once a warrant is obtained from the courts. Rick Parent, a former Delta police sergeant and retired associate professor of criminology at Simon Fraser University, said the key is assessing the risk and creating a plan for that risk.

If safety concerns are high because there is, for example, knowledge of the presence of weapons or and of a person known for violence, a tactical team — more heavily armed and better-

Mayor Brenda Locke speaks against racist graffiti in Fleetwood area Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is speaking out against racist graffiti that was written on a bench in Fleetwood Park.

Last week, locals walking through the park found a bench with “whites only” written on it and a swastika right next to

it. Many in the community told OMNI News the graffiti is both upsetting and unacceptable. Locke told OMNI News that the entire incident is outrageous, and says she responded to the incident right away to remove the graffiti from the park.

South Asian man charged in human trafficking crime investigation allegedly held woman in hotel for 3 months A South Asian man from Markham, Ontario charged in a human trafficking investigation allegedly held a woman in hotel room in Montreal for three months, investigators say.

Toronto police announced the arrest of 32-year-old Raj Kirubananthan on Tuesday and said he sex trafficked the victim for three years from January 2020 to July 2023.

3211 - 152 st., Unit 205, Surrey, BC, V3S 3M1

The woman, whose age was not disclosed, met the suspect while working in the sex trade, police said. She was then allegedly trafficked by the suspect throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Belleville, Ont. Police said the suspect also transported the victim outside the province into Quebec, where he “forced” her to work as an escort “while holding her in a hotel room for three months.”

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

Canada’s economy flatlined in July Canada’s economy stalled in July and edged up slightly in August, data showed on Friday, highlighting a recent sluggish performance that prompted markets to trim bets for another interest rate hike next month.

Growth ground to a halt in July as the manufacturing sector posted its biggest decline in more than two years, but it most likely ticked up 0.1% in August, Statistics Canada said.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a 0.1% monthly gain for July after a 0.2% contraction in June. The economy is slowing after the Bank of Canada’s decision to raise rates 10 times since early last year.

“The economic data ... continue to paint a picture of an economy that has stalled,”

Royce Mendes, head of macro strategy of Desjardins Group said in a note. “(That) should give central bankers confidence that their medicine is slowly working.”

The bank held its key overnight interest rate at 5% on Sept. 6, noting the economy had entered a period of weaker growth while warning it could hike again if inflation gets stuck well above its 2% target. After the release of the gross domestic product figures, money markets trimmed bets for a rate hike next month to a 27%chance from a 31% chance before.

“Canada is really struggling to grow right now ... (this) argues for (the bank) to remain on hold and lean on the tightening that has already been put in place,” said Robert Kavcic,

First Black Canadian Greg Fergus elected as Speaker of the House of Commons Greg Fergus, who represents the National Capital Region Quebec riding of Hull, Aylmer, was one of seven candidates vying for the job after Anthony Rota resigned from it last week amid international controversy over his actions during a recent visit by Ukraine’s president.

“Today, you are the first Black Canadian to become Speaker of this House,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after the election.

“This should be inspiring for all Canadians.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called Fergus’s election an “incredible feat.”

“There’s going to be kids who are going to come here and maybe not see themselves represented on the walls,” he said.

“That’s going to change now.”

Fergus’s election follows a day of pitches from the other MPs seeking the role: Liberal MP Sean Casey kicked off the speeches saying there needs to be a reset in the House when it comes to decorum, while Liberal MP Alexandra Mendes said more than anything, civility is needed.

Nova Scotia Conser vative MP Chris d’Entremont, who was most recently a deputy Speaker, said it’s important for him to protect the right of MPs to speak in the House, and that his calm FrenchCanadian demeanour is right for the job.

Fergus said every MP in the chamber has more in common than they care to admit and that he would lead firmly, thoughtfully and collaboratively.

Canada is getting a $50 coin made of pure gold and it’s dazzling

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Canada is about to get a $50 coin made of pure gold, but you won’t be able to get your hands on them that easily.

The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled the dazzling new coin on Wednesday in partnership with the world’s leading gold producer, Newmont Corporation.

It was made in response to more demand for greater transparency about the origins of precious metals.

“With this new single mine coin, made of directly traceable gold from Newmont’s Éléonore mine to our gold refinery in Ottawa, we are demonstrating continued excellence in terms of precious metal sourcing, refining, and manufacturing,” said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, in a news release.

The 2023 $50 1 oz 99.99% Pure Gold Maple Leaf Singe-Sourced Mine bullion coin is made entirely of the precious metal sourced from Newmont’s Éléonore gold mine in northern Québec and is expertly refined by the Mint.

The Royal Canadian Mint The pure gold definitely shines

through the design of the coin.

Its reverse (tails side) features a detailed engraving of a sugar maple leaf, which is a hallmark of the Mint’s series of Maple Leaf bullion coins.

The background is an array of precisely machined radial lines, bringing your

focus toward the intricate maple leaf.

Underneath is a micro-engraved maple leaf-shaped security mark with the number 23, which is only visible under a magnifying glass. It marks the year the coin was issued.

Across from the security mark is a privy mark of a hand cradling a globe, symbolizing the single-source origin of the coin’s 99.99% pure gold.

Saturday, October 7, 2023 Family & colleagues honour fallen RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien Const. Rick O’Brien loved to laugh.

He loved his job, he loved being an RCMP officer, he loved making jokes and he loved his wife and family above all.

O’Brien was laid to rest Wednesday in a ceremony at the Langley Events Centre after he was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Speaking on behalf of O’Brien’s wife, Nicole, Stephanie Porter said the couple was set to take a trip soon, just the two of them.

“And instead, I’m sending you off to a different paradise,” Porter said.

“How am I going to live without you?

“My favourite thing was loving you and how you loved me back. I loved loving you and I love our story.”

The couple had six children between

them. O’Brien had wanted to become an RCMP officer to help kids and educate them that police officers are there to help and protect them.

He kept a picture in his work cubby of a drawing he received from a class of children.

“It obviously meant a lot to him,” Cpl. Pete Westra with the Ridge Meadows RCMP said during the service.

“He had such a desire to succeed and he will be remembered for that.”

Westra added that O’Brien’s loss was felt by many. “It was too early and it was senseless.”

Friend and RCMP colleague, Const.

Dan Leclair told the crowd that he knew O’Brien when he was still a school teacher and applied to become an RCMP officer.

Class-action claims foreign workers exploited by Quebec recruiter, airline caterer An international aviation catering company and a Quebec recruitment firm allegedly lured foreign workers to Canada under false pretences and exploited them, according to a proposed class-action lawsuit.

The Immigrant Workers Centre in Montreal is seeking authorization to launch the suit against Laval, Que.-based placement firm Trésor and inflight catering company Newrest, along with several affiliated companies.

The workers centre is acting on behalf of more than 400 people who it says were falsely promised they would be given work permits and legitimate jobs in Canada by Trésor since 2021 — but were instead encouraged to work illegally.

“The defendants treated the members of the class like objects: controllable,

disposable, replaceable and exploitable.

These experiences were profoundly degrading and dehumanizing for the members of the class and undermined their dignity, their psychological security and their self-esteem,” says the request for authorization filed by lawyers with Montreal law firm Trudel Johnston & Lespérance.

“In particular, the express or implicit threats of deportation and criminalization wielded by the defendants terrorized the members of the class. Their irregular status — a situation orchestrated by the defendants despite the efforts of members to obtain legal permits — remains a profound source of stress and anxiety,” the application says.

Montreal-based workers’ rights group files class-action against closed work permits

LOCAL / NATIONAL

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

Press release

Surrey-based not-for-profit, PICS earned 3-year Accreditation from CARF International PICS Society achievement indicates organisation’sdedication&Commitment “CARF will recognize this accomplishment in its listing of organisations with accreditation” said President/CEO of CARF; Brian J. Boon.

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society aka PICS has been issued a 3-year CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation based on a recent 3-days long and comprehensive in-house survey by the CARF team. This certification showcases the diligence & consistent free support that PICS has been offering the community and is shaping the lives of the people served.

The CARF certification will extend through 2026. Independent Seniors’ housing, Employment services, and Community Housing were amongst 9 program(s)/ Service(s) to which the accreditation applies.

The report submitted contained organisation’s strengths as well as consultations & recommendations.

Key points of strength highlighted in the report are as follows: 1. PICS is led by a dynamic leadership team that consists of

CARF Team visited the PICS Office for the 3-day long survey

personnel who are dedicated to providing superior services to the persons served in their care.2. Stakeholder feedback was universally positive.3. Leadership team members are extremely accessible to line staff and clients/residents.4. PICS is complimented for its dedication to cultural diversity and accessibility.5. The leadership at PICS senior housing and the adult day program provides outstanding person-centred care.6. Excellent personcentered care is provided in assisted

living with a focus on independence.

7. Popular adult day program with a strong social model and respite services.

8. PICS has added an exciting new program called Seniors Engagement Through Technology (SETT) to educate and support seniors in use of technology.

9. Effective marketing strategies, including outreach to various platforms.

10. Successful, one-of-a-kind program with a gender-sensitive approach.

11. PICS not only meet its

service mandate, but exceeds it.

12. Empowers clients with technical skills and a sense of community.

13.

PICS truly embraces diversity by proactively hiring for diverse language needs of clients.

14. The PICS youth program’s staff members truly have a passion for the work they do.

15. PICS is applauded for its community housing program for women.

16. Secure, organized, and confidential case files support service quality.

“We are proud of achieving this high level of accreditation. This would not have been possible without the guidance of our dedicated board members, hard work and passion of our 271-multilingual staff, ongoing backing from our generous donors and members, and overwhelming support from the community. We started with $80 in 1987 and today we stand at $23+ million, zealously continuing to serve the community by providing tailormade services to our clients, and fulfilling the vision and mission of our organization.” Shared CEO of PICS Society, Satbir Cheema.

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

Community news

Amitabh Bachchan One of the best actors of Indian cinema Bachchan was born in 1942 in Allahabad to a poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and his wife, the social activist Teji Bachchan.

He was educated at Sherwood College, Nainital, and Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi.

His film career started in 1969 as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s film Bhuvan Shome. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s for films such as Anand, Zanjeer, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Deewaar and Sholay, and achieved greater stardom in later years, dubbed India’s “angry young man” for several of his on-screen roles in Hindi films. He consistently starred in top grossing Indian films with critical acclaim since mid 1970s to 80s, such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Trishul, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Suhaag, Dostana, Kaalia, Laawaris, Naseeb, Namak Halaal, Coolie, Sharaabi and Mard, as well as some of his most acclaimed performances include Namak Haraam, Abhimaan, Majboor, Mili, Chupke Chupke, Kabhi Kabhie, Kaala Patthar, Shaan, Silsila, Shakti, Shahenshah and Agneepath. After taking break from acting in 1990s, his resurgence marked in 2000 with Mohabbatein. Since then he starred in several successful and acclaimed films such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Aankhen, Baghban, Veer-

Zaara Black, Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkar, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Cheeni Kum, Paa, Piku, Pink and Badla. For Piku, he won his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor, making him the only actor to do so. Bachchan also made an appearance in a Hollywood film, The Great Gatsby (2013)..

Amitabh Bachchan’s mother Teji was born in Punjabi Sikh family in Lyallpur, Punjab , now in Pakistan (presentday Faisalabad. After completing her education, she took a job as teacher at Khoob Chand Degree College, Lahore, ther She met Harivansh Srivastava.

Bachchan made his film debut in 1969, as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s National Award-winning film Bhuvan Shome.

[38] His first acting role was as one of the seven protagonists in the film Saat Hindustani,[39] directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas and featuring Utpal Dutt, Anwar Ali (brother of comedian Mehmood), Madhu and Jalal Agha.

Amitabh Bachchan considered Dilip Kumar his ‘idol.

Amitabh shared a picture from their special picture shoot and wrote, “My idol Dilip Saheb .. lost .. never before never after .. “an epic era has drawn curtains .. never to happen again, Peace and duas.” for Dilip Sabhib.

Sunny Leone back to woo the ‘audiences’ Sunny Leone, who was seen in Telugu films like ‘Current Theega’ and “Ginna’ and also danced to a racy number ‘Deo Deo’ in ‘PSV Garuda Vega’ to enthrall Telugu viewers.

Now, she is all set to return to Hyderabad, but to host a TV show ‘Telugu Medium’ on Zee Telugu.

She known for her appearances in numerous films and television reality shows, will make her Telugu TV program debut. This presents a significant opportunity for Telugu TV viewers to witness Sunny fluently delivering Telugu dialogueslikeneverbefore.

Vedic Senior Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of BC, invites South Asian Adults and Seniors members to attend an In Person Presentation on Topic- Hasta Mudras & Art of Affirmations with guided Meditation at Shanti Niketan hall on October 5th 2023 (Thursday) from 10.00 am to 11.30 am.

-----------------------------------------In Person Yoga Classes will continue for members only at Shanti Niketan hall on Monday October 9th 2023 by expert Yoga Instructor Mr. Ashwani Bansal, both the days from 10.00 am to 11.15am and to help & advice corrections to make sure all seniors are doing correct Yoga. All members are requested to place the yoga mat at a social distance -----------------------------------------Yoga Classes at Shanti Niketan hall of

Lakshmi Narayan Temple for members only, Every Monday & Every Thursday from 10.00 am to 11.15 am. Pure Vegetarian Lunch on Thursdays after the Yoga session.

-----------------------------------------Project funded by Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre Lakshmi Narayan Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC, and also Coordinator APNI South Asian Community Response Networks Surrey BC, Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for registration and further details.

------------------------------------------Please keep the social distance while seating for personal & other’s safety.

------------------------------------------For more info call: 604 - 507 - 9945

Kohli rushes back home for “family emergency” Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has left for Mumbai amid team India’s World Cup preparations due to a personal emergency, just days after reports surfaced that his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, is pregnant with their second child. Kohli requested the team management for leave and left for Mumbai

from Guwahati, where India is currently playing a warmup match against the Netherlands.

He is expected to return on Monday.

A source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development to Cricbuzz.

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

Canada housing market forecast: Will prices drop in 2023?

The Canadian housing market’s latest statistics indicate a promising shift towards stabilization. With a modest increase in home sales, a recovery in new listings, and a positive trend in prices, the market appears to be finding its balance. The increase in supply and the recent Bank of Canada rate hikes are expected to moderate price growth in the coming months, creating a more balanced and favorable environment for both buyers and sellers.

Housing Market Predictions Canada Housing Market Trends 2023

Greater Toronto home sales slid 7.1 per cent last month compared with September 2022, with sales of semidetached houses and townhouses particularly declining from last year.

Last month’s 4,642 home sales also marked a 12.1 per cent month-over-month decline from August, according the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s latest market watch report.

Meanwhile, the average home price

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has released its statistics for July 2023, revealing promising trends in the national housing market.

These figures provide valuable insights into the current state of real estate in Canada.

The Canadian real estate market, as of July 2023, exhibits signs of stability and resilience. While there has

been a slight decline in month-over-month home sales, the yearover-year numbers are strong, and the market is adapting to changing economic conditions and interest rate adjustments.

Buyers are benefiting from increased choice and a more balanced market, while prices are moderating, leading to a positive outlook for the future of Canada’s real estate landscape.

Let’s delve into the key highlights: Key Points from the Canadian Housing Report National home sales edged down 0.7% month-over-month in July.

Actual (not seasonally adjusted) monthly activity came in 8.7% above July 2022.

The number of newly listed properties rose 5.6% month-over-month.

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) climbed 1.1% month-over-month and was down just 1.5% year-over-year.

The actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average sale price posted a 6.3% year-over-year increase in July.

Home sales drop 7.1 % in GTA as higher rates bite reached $1,119,428, a rise of 3.4 per cent from August and a three per cent increase from last September. New listings surged 44.1 per cent to 16,258 in September compared with extremely low levels in September 2022, when there were just under 5,000. The number of listings also trended upward on a month-over-month basis.

The board attributed the downward trend in sales to the impact of high borrowing costs, high inflation, uncertainty surrounding future Bank of Canada rate decisions and slower economic growth.

“GTA home selling prices remain above the trough experienced early in the first quarter of 2023,” said TRREB chief market analyst Jason Mercer in a press release.

“However, we did experience more balanced market in the summer and early fall, with listings

increasing noticeably relative to sales. This suggests that some buyers may benefit from more negotiating power, at least in the short term. This could help offset the impact of high borrowing costs.”

TRREB president Paul Baron said elevated borrowing costs are expected until mid-2024, after which they will start to trend lower, suggesting there will be an uptick in demand for home ownership in the second half of next year.

Homebuilding surge in some cities started 2023 may not last: CMHC Higher borrowing costs are expected to drive drastic slowdowns in homebuilding for Canada’s largest urban centres after a surge in activity that started the year, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

The CMHC’s mid-year housing supply report released Thursday shows Canada’s six largest housing markets had wildly different paces of homebuilding in the six months of the year.

Vancouver and Toronto saw their paces of homebuilding surge 49 per cent and 32 per cent compared with the first half of 2022, the agency said. These two metropolises accounted for two-thirds

of all housing starts in Canada’s six biggest cities over the first six months.

That compares with a sharp drop of 58 per cent for new housing starts in Montreal.

Ottawa and Edmonton also saw annual declines, with Calgary holding steady.

Across all six markets, housing starts in the first half were up just one per cent year-over-year, CMHC said. The difference in the pace of homebuilding between cities like Montreal and the behemoths of Vancouver and Toronto might come down to timing, the report noted.

These are the most expensive homes for sale in Canada For most Canadians, starter homes already feel out of reach, so affording a dream home may be out of the question.

While the average national home price dipped slightly to $650,140 in August, Canada has been experiencing a housing crisis for a while, and a recent report says it will take years to restore affordability in the country. There is no better example of

the exorbitant price of homes in Canada than the most luxurious mega-mansions on the market right now.

In a recent report, Point2Homes ranked these “capital L luxury” homes by price, and the findings will make you feel pretty broke.

“Capital-L Luxury is all about the features and amenities we need to read about in order to believe,” reads the report.

Saturday, October 7, 2023 Punjabi rapper Shubhneet Singh’s forthcoming tour to India cancelled after tensions erupted between India and Canada.

The reason was a controversy that broke out over an old social media post where he had shared an incorrect map of India.

The Canada-based singer (known to fans as Shubh) was accused of supporting the demand for Khalistan, or a separate Sikh homeland - a sensitive topic in India, which saw a violent insurgency over the movement in the 1980s. Canada has the largest population of Sikhs outside India’s Punjab state, and is home to popular Punjabi diaspora musicians who divide their time between the two countries touring, producing or simply visiting India, where they have a massive fanbase.

So the diplomatic row sparked by Canadian Prime Minister saying his country was investigating “credible allegations” that could link the Indian government to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader - has worried musicians who call both countries home. (India has denied the allegations and stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens.) Shubh, for instance, asked people to “refrain from naming every Punjabi as a separatist or anti-national”, but he still faces criticism and some Indian cricketers including former captain Virat Kohli, who once called Shubh his “favourite artiste” - have unfollowed him on social media.

Governor seeks detailed report on Tarn Taran ‘illegal’ mining incident Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday sought a detailed report from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Khadoor Sahib MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura’s allegations against the police regarding his relative’s arrest in an illegal sand mining case, and the subsequent transfer of the Tarn Taran SSP following the arrest.

The governor’s latest missive to the chief minister came days after Lalpura had accused Tarn Taran SSP Gurmeet Singh Chauhan of arresting his brotherin-law in a “fake” illegal sand mining case. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA’s relative was arrested along with nine others in the illegal mining case.

In a Facebook post, the MLA alleged that Chauhan had registered a fake case against his brother-inlaw after he raised his voice against corruption in the district police.

However, Chauhan had rejected the allegation and said that action was taken against illegal mining following a tip-off.

Hip-hop singer hit by row over Sikh separatism

PUNJAB

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

India stands firm to remove 41 diplomates despite Canada’s pleas

information provided Ottawa on the incident.

Soon after Trudeau’s accusation, both countries carried out tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats, while India suspended all visa services for Canadian nationals and asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country.

“As we have mentioned earlier, given the much higher diplomatic presence of Canadian diplomats...and their continuing interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a regular media briefing.

Bagchi didn’t specifically deny reports about Canada being asked to withdraw 41 of its 62 by

Do not normalise what is taking place in Canada, says Jaishankar

diplomats in India by October 10, saying he “would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversations”. He added, “Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is very much higher, we would assume there would be a reduction.”

Asked if the reduction of Canadian diplomats could affect visa services for Indian nationals, Bagchi replied: “Let me clarify in the context of the parity, it’s up to the Canadian side who they choose to staff their high commission with.”

Responding to another question on whether Canada has officially provided any information to back up its allegation on Nijjar’s killing, Bagchi reiterated external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s remarks that the Indian side is “open to looking at” any “specific or relevant information” shared by Ottawa.

India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has criticized Canada for its “climate of violence” and lack of responsiveness to Indian extradition requests.

Washington: Even as he made his most scathing comments about the “climate of violence” in Canada, its lack of responsiveness to Indian extradition requests and the relentless threats against Indian diplomats and diplomatic facilities, external affairs minister S Jaishankar reiterated that India hasn’t closed its doors and is willing to look at any “relevant and specific”

information Ottawa may want to share on its allegation.

Speaking to reporters in the American capital on Friday — Jaishankar was in New York to attend the UN General Assembly for six days and then in Washington DC for bilateral engagements for three days — the minister said that India did not want to suspend its visa operations in Canada but had to do so because of this environment and threat of violence. He also asked whether the world, or any other country, would have accepted this situation,

British-Sikh man arrested at London pro-Khalistan protest over Indian mission attack Scotland Yard arrested a man on suspicion of “violent disorder” in connection with an attack on the Indian High Commission in London in March this year.

The Metropolitan Police said the man, who was arrested during a protest outside India House on Monday, was held in connection with a protest on March 19 and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A British-Sikh man was seen being led away by police officers on patrol during Monday’s protest, called to demand UK government intervention over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of alleged Indian involvement in the killing of wanted terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an allegation strongly rejected

by India as “absurd and motivated”.

Fighter jets, spy planes, choppers, missiles in mega IAF list of desi projects worth over Rs 3 lakh crore

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Indian Air Force is taking up some of the biggest indigenisation projects in defence sector as the force led by Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari is working on ‘Make in India’ programmes worth over Rs 3.15 lakh crore.

The list of weapon systems and

platforms includes the 180 Light Combat Aircraft Mark1A, 156 Light Combat Helicopters, Light Utility Choppers and many other weapon systems which are supposed to form a large chunk of the service in coming times.

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Saturday, October 7, 2023 UK taking it seriously, sources confirm action after K-Supporters stop India’s envoy from entering in gurdwara The incident unfolded outside a Gurdwara in Glasgow, where Doraiswami had a planned meeting with the Gurdwara committee.

The video showed two men near the High Commissioner’s car in the parking area.

After the Indian High Commissioner to the UK was obstructed from entering a gurdwara in Scotland by a group of Khalistan supporters on Friday, sources said that the government of the United Kingdom has taken the matter

seriously and assured India that action will be taken against the perpetrators.

High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was prevented from entering a gurdwara in Scotland’s Glasgow by two Khalistani radicals. In a purported video posted on the Instagram channel called ‘Sikh Youth UK,’ a man, reportedly a pro-Khalistani activist, can be seen blocking Doraiswami from entering the Glasgow Gurdwara on Albert Drive.

India’s whisky trumps British single malts, named as best in the world The Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 gained the coveted ‘Excellent in Indicate, Double Gold’ award on the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards.

India’s homegrown whiskey gained the award after evaluation of over

100 whiskey manufacturers. Indri is manufactured by Piccadilly Distilleries in Haryana impart in northern India.

The emblem commenced its scamper in 2021 with the introduction of IndriTrini, India’s first triple-barrel single malt.

24 dead in 24 hours at Maharashtra hospital Twenty-four deaths, including that of 12 infants, were reported in a government hospital in Nanded, a top Maharashtra health official said. In the last 24 hours, 24 deaths have been reported at Nanded government Hospital and Medical College (GMCH). Out of these, 12 are infants who were referred here by some local private hospitals. The remaining deaths

are of adults for various reasons,” Dr Dilip Mhaisekar, Director, Medical Education and Research, Maharashtra, told PTI. Dean Dr S R Wakode of Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital told reporters the 12 infants comprise six males and six females, adding that most were in the 0-3 day age group and had “very low weight”..

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How a landmark caste census threatens Modi’s grip on power In a landmark move, the eastern Indian state of Bihar has announced the findings of the first-ever caste census since the country’s independence in 1947. The survey found that over two-thirds of the state’s population of over 130 million belonged to “backward” or marginalised communities.

As part of the decades-old government affirmative action, marginalised

communities have been categorised as backward, extremely backward, scheduled caste (the former “untouchables”) and scheduled tribe (the Indigenous communities). India is one of the most unequal countries in the world with the bulk of the resources and jobs controlled by the privileged castes.

Another wave of violence erupts in Manipur Fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Imphal West district where at least two houses were set on fire and several rounds of bullets were fired, police said on Thursday.

The incident happened in New

Keithelmanbi in Patsoi police station area around 10 pm on Wednesday, they said. fter the attack, the accused fled the spot, triggering tension in the area, they added.

HP to make Chromebooks in India in win for Modi’s tech push Alphabet Inc.’s Google will begin to make its Chromebook laptops in India through a partnership forged with HP Inc. The move makes Mountain View, California-based Google the latest among global technology companies to expand assembly in the key growth market. Alphabet Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai announced the partnership

Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The move will help Google compete more effectively with Windows computers from companies such as Dell Technologies Inc. and Asustek Computer Inc. It’s also another win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s $2 billion incentive plan to have tech giants make India their production base.

India leads South Asia’s moderate growth, World Bank cites fiscal risks South Asia’s economic growth is expected to moderate, led by India, amidst a variety of factors including fading postpandemic demand, higher interest rates, reduced government spending, and weaker exports. Yet, India is projected to maintain a steady growth rate for the upcoming fiscal years, according to the World Bank.

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India’s economy is forecasted to grow robustly at 6.3% in the fiscal year 2023-24.

While this figure is slightly weaker than the 7.2% growth estimated for the fiscal year 2022-23, it is still a commendable rate. Looking further ahead, the country’s growth rate is expected to improve slightly to 6.4% in the fiscal year ending March 2025.

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FIJI

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Pakistan

10% of labour force lost in last 18 months – Deputy Prime Minister Fiji has lost 10 percent of its labour force in the last 18 months, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad.

He says they are trying to make sure that they provide enough funding within the budget for technical training where there are new institutions like Pacific Polytech and

FNU is revamping its TVET programme so that more people can be trained.

Prof. Prasad says at the same time, they are making processes at the Immigration Department easier and faster for businesses that need to bring technical people from outside the country.

Nabua cab driver loses control and plows into the shop A taxi has plowed into a supermarket in Nabua after failing to stop.

5 people were injured while 1 has been transported by ambulance to the CWM Hospital.

Semisi Lomani who was one of the 5

injured says he was on his way out when he saw 2 taxis racing for the same parking spot.

Lomani says the taxi that bumped him didn’t stop and hit the counter pushing everything ahead of it.

Abuse of office allegation The Fiji Pine Trust has made serious allegationsofabuseofofficeagainsttheMinistry of Forestry and Minister Kalaveti Ravu.

The Fiji Pine Trust chairman Taniela Nakibo

in a media release claimed Mr Ravu had written a letter to Fiji Pine Ltd board chairman and assistant Minister for Home Affairs Rakuita Vakalalabure to defer the distribution of land security bonus payment (LSBP).

Police confirm tragic deaths Police have confirmed that the couple found dead in their house early this week in Seaqaqa, Macuata, passed away due to suicide and unnatural causes.

Press release

Divisional Police Commander North SSP Kemueli Baledrokadroka said the husband committed suicide and his wife’s death was an unnatural one.

Pakistan orders illegal immigrants to leave the country Govt of Pakistan on Tuesday ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghans, to leave the country or face expulsion after revealing that 14 of 24 suicide bombings in the country this year were carried out by Afghan nationals.

It was not immediately clear how Pakistani

China seeks to control Pakistani media: US report China has developed a web of international operations to have a say over media narratives and seeks to gain significant control over the Pakistani media, an official US report has said.

In addition to working closely with Russia

government they’d like to lead them through these tough times – one that prioritizes healthcare, bringing down the cost of living, and reconciliation. Canadians are tired after eight years of a Trudeau government and they’re sick of Conservatives cutting the services their families need. Clearly, Canadians are ready to have the scales tilted in their favour, for once.

We’ve seen that, across the country, New

in the information space, China has attempted to enlist other close partners to counter unfavourable narratives, the State Department said in a report released here last week.

Prominent among them is Pakistan, it said.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan masterminded May 9 violence - Usman Dar Former prime minister Imran Khan masterminded the May 9 violence and planned the attacks on sensitive military installations with an aim to remove Army Chief General Asim Munir, his party worker Usman Dar said.

Dar, regarded as one of Khan’s trusted ally, reportedly gone underground after unrest broke out in Pakistan following the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief ’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers on May 9,

Economy in shambles, Inflation at 31.4%, LPG costs 260.98 per kg According to statistics bureau data, Pakistan’s inflation rate increased to 31.4% year over year in September from 27.4% in August due to high fuel and energy prices in a nation that has started its path to economic recovery under a caretaker government after the

Manitoba NDP’s win shows people are ready for better days ahead

“On behalf of all New Democrats, I’d like to extend my deepest congratulations to Wab Kinew on being elected Canada’s first First Anishinaabe premier. Manitobans will be in good hands under your leadership, and we look forward to the much-needed change your government will bring.

Canadians are exhausted. Last night, they spoke loudly and clearly about the kind of

authorities could ensure the illegal immigrants leave, or how they could find them to expel them.

Islamabad’s announcement marks a new low in its relations with Kabul that deteriorated after border clashes between the South Asian neighbours last month.

Democrats are delivering and winning for Canadians, whether it is Premier Eby in British Columbia, Premier-elect Kinew in Manitoba, or Mayor Chow in Toronto.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles has won big for Ontarians on the Greenbelt, and Rachel Notley and Carla Beck are fighting relentlessly against Conservatives’ harmful decisions.

New Democrats want to build a country

International Monetary Fund approved a $3 billion loan programme in July. According to the figures, monthly inflation increased by 2% in September as opposed to 1.7% in August.

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) prices raised by Rs 20.86 per kg

where everyone can afford good, nutritious food for their families and home they can afford in the communities that they love. New Democrats believe in a better health care system, and one that shouldn’t cost you a dime.

Again, Canada’s New Democrats congratulate Premier-elect Kinew and the entire NDP Manitoba team for their well-deserved win. With more New Democrats, it means more help for people.”

Saturday, October 7, 2023

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