The Asian Star March 26 2022

www.theasianstar.com Vol 21 - Issue 8

Canadians to be prepared of new Covid-19 wave As provinces lift COVID-19 public health measures, some experts are warning that Canada may experience another wave of infections this spring, with wastewater data in many regions showing an uptick in cases due in part to the Omicron subvariant BA.2. Officials in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C. say wastewater analysis suggests COVID-19 infections are beginning to climb again. However, experts say it’s not yet clear whether Canada’s next wave will be a surge or a ripple. Infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch said. on Thursday that current modelling data suggests parts of Canada may experience a “bump” in cases this spring. “It could be a wave, it could be a smaller wave…

It’s not entirely clear what’s on deck, but we’ll probably have a rise in cases and we know that whenever there’s a rise in cases, there’s usually this corresponding rise, sadly, in hospitalizations and deaths,” Bogoch said.

24-year-old man charged in Ontario mosque attack According to Peel Regional Police, a man is now facing multiple charges after attacking congregants with bear spray at the Dar AlTawheed Islamic Centre on Saturday, March 19. The man, who was also brandishing a small axe, was quickly subdued by members of the mosque until police arrived.

Twenty-four-year-old Mohammad Moiz Omar from Mississauga has been charged with the following offences: assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threat to cause death or bodily harm, carrying concealed weapon, and mischief to religious property.

More charges could follow as the investigation continues.

Superintendent Rob Higgs, Commander of 12 Division, said that Omar is being held pending bail hearing and has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

“At this point the only injuries we’re aware of from the incident are from Continued on page 7

Saturday, March 26, 2022

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Canada set to get new dental care & pharmacare program as part of Liberal - NDP deal

Seattle startup claims India-based drugmaker stole COVID-19 vaccine tech, seeks $950M

Thanks to a new deal between Justin Trudeau’s Liberals and the NDP, a new national dental care program to support low-income Canadians could be just around the corner.

On Tuesday, March 22, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his party had made a supply and confidence agreement with Jagmeet Singh’s NDP to keep the current government in power until 2025.

In exchange for NDP support, the Liberals have agreed to take action on a number of key NDP priorities — including national dental care and universal pharmacare programs.

On Tuesday, Jagmeet Singh described the move as “the biggest expansionofhealthcareinageneration”and,perCBCNews,saiditwould make “a massive difference for health and for people’s quality of life.”

Seattle vaccine company HDT Bio is seeking nearly $1 billion in a new lawsuit alleging that an India-based drugmaker stole HDT’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine technology. The complaint, filed Monday in federal court in Seattle, asks for at least $950 million in damages from Emcure Pharmaceuticals, and an order banning its use of HDT’s technology. Emcure, based in Pune, India, violated laws against the theft of trade secrets, the lawsuit claims. It also alleges that Emcure is using the trade secrets to support its filing for an initial public offering. “Emcure posed as a good-faith partner and fellow crusader in HDT’s global health mission. In reality, however, Emcure viewed HDT’s philanthropic orientation as an opportunity to seize HDT’s secrets and the fruit of decades of its scientists’ labor,” said HDT in the suit.

Prime Minister Trudeau strikes surprise deal to keep power until 2025 Canada’s ruling Liberal Party and opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) have reached a surprise agreement that aims to keep the minority government in power until 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday. Governments with a minority of seats in parliament, like the one Trudeau now leads, tend to last an average of about two years, but this rare agreement could permit it to last the entire four-year term, Trudeau said.

“What this means is that during this uncertain time, the government can function with predictability and stability, present and implement budgets, and get things done for Canadians,” Trudeau said.

Demolition of Frontier Cloth House is a huge shift for Punjabi Market Even though the Frontier Cloth House building was abandoned on for ten or so years, the building finally being demolished makes the South Vancouver neighbourhood feel markedly different. Located at 6695 Main Street, Frontier used to be a fixture in Punjabi Market. The people behind Frontier were part of a wave of business owners in the neighbourhood who decided to move their businesses to Surrey thanks to the increasing cost of housing in Vancouver, in combination with other financial factors.

It didn’t help that a lot of the South Asian community in the area also decided to move Continued on page 7

The two parties published a list of priorities they had agreed upon. The Liberals agreed to back a national dental-care program for low-income Canadians and to move forward on a national

prescription-drug coverage program, both cornerstone campaign pledges for the NDP. The Liberals and New Democrats also said they would develop a plan to phase out financing for the fossil fuel sector, starting in 2022.

Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, will be able to deliver on his main campaign promises, like fighting climate change or addressing a national housing shortage.

“We have a document ... that will be used to analyze and verify the government’s actions,” New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh told reporters.

“We will use our power to help people.”

Update from MLA Fleming and the provincial NDP

Harvinder Sandhu

The BC NDP government held a press conference to update Surrey residents on the infrastructure and transportation progress being made by the NDP for the residents of Surrey.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming, chaired this roundtable, answering many questions. To start off he acknowledged that

Surrey is the fastest growing city in this region and the province with 1000 immigrants moving here every month. He stated to keep pace with this growth, the city’s infrastructure needed to be updated or replaced, especially Pattullo Bridge.

“I looked at the previous government and they had no plan, let alone any funding to replace this Continued on page 15

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

‘Tremendous honour’ for transportation exec to be elected chair of Downtown Surrey BIA

Patients in B.C. waiting too long for surgery, not being counted by province: doctor The incoming leader of a group that represents surgeons across B.C. is questioning the health minister’s claims that nearly all surgeries that were cancelled in the first and later waves of COVID-19 have been completed.

Dr. Cassandra Lane Dielwart, president-elect of the B.C. Orthopaedic Association, said the province didn’t account for many patients who have suffered without “life-transforming” procedures that weren’t even booked, forcing some to become addicted to painkillers.

Health Minister Adrian Dix told a recent news conference that 99.8 per cent of patients whose surgery was postponed in the first wave of the pandemic have had it, and that’s the case for 94.2 per cent of those who didn’t get

their procedure in the second and third waves.

About 15,000 surgeries in all categories were initially cancelled but most of them have now been done, Dix said Tuesday. Many were urgent procedures for cancer and heart patients, but those needing orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements also had them, he said.

However, catching up on postponed surgeries has delayed others, leaving the province with a “significant hill to climb,” he said.

“Reducing surgical wait times is a priority.

And that’s why I think B.C. has responded more vigorously, more dynamically, to the impacts of COVID-19. One, we built up the system to do it, and two, we took real action in May of 2020 to immediately start addressing what was going to be a significant backlog.”

Samujh-Dayal is the second woman in that role since 2001, and first woman of colour A woman with more than 25 years of experience in the transportation industry is the new chair of Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association (BIA).

Elected to the position, Shirley Samujh-Dayal is just the second woman in that role with the BIA since 2001, and the first woman of colour.

Samujh-Dayal is director of operations for Coast Mountain Bus Company, and has been on the board of Downtown Surrey BIA since 2016. She said it’s “a tremendous honour to be selected from such as outstanding group

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of board members to be Chair during this important time in the downtown core.”

“I am looking forward to continuing to promote and foster the reputation of the downtown precinct of Surrey as being one of the most impactful business districts in our province,” Samujh-Dayal stated.

“Today, the downtown core is a rapidly growing academic and business hub for British Columbia, as well as a growing residential district.

Continuing this positive momentum is a key priority for me over the next two years.”

The board steers direction of the BIA with the help of staff including Elizabeth Model, CEO. Samujh-Dayal grew up in Surrey, graduated from Princess Margaret Secondary and lived in the city until a recent move to Langley.

With Coast Mountain Bus Company, she oversees almost a million boardings per day over an 1,800-square-kilometer service area across 200 routes, and more than 4,000 staff members.

“Transporation is near and dear to my heart,” Samujh-Dayal said, “and now we’re seeing the extension of SkyTrain out to Langley City, through Fleetwood, and I think that’s going to be a big welcome for people into Surrey’s downtown core. The plans of the Mayors’ Council are future connections to communities like Newton and Guildford, so to me this is an exciting time.”

She said “it’s an honour” to be the second woman to chair the BIA since 2001. “But it also makes me sad in a way – sad that we haven’t had more women in this type of leadership role,” Samujh-Dayal added. “I hope we will see more in the future. When I’m downtown and talking to people, business owners and people in the community, I see so many brilliant, inspirational women in the Downtown Surrey area, and I really hope to see more of them on our board and future chairs. “As far as being the first South Asian woman and a visible minority, I didn’t think of that initially, but that does make me feel really proud. It’s nice to be on a board that’s very representative of the community, the multicultural community that Surrey is.”

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A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 10 years behind bars Tuesday afternoon in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found burned in a Burnaby, B.C., park a year ago.

Carlo Tobias entered guilty pleas to manslaughter and accessory after the fact, though he’d been originally charged with first-degree murder in the death of 49-year-old Ma Cecilia Loreto.

With credit for time served, Tobias has 8.5 years left.

According to the agreed statement of facts read in court, Tobias hid behind a door in a house in New Westminster in March 2021. When Loreto entered, he punched her in the face. She was still alive and breathing when moments later, another person stabbed Loreto.

Her body was then wrapped in blankets and taped up to look like a rug.

Her burned remains were discovered on March 18 in Greentree Village Park in Burnaby.

Investigators had said they do not believe her killing was a random act and that no one involved was previously known to police.

A female teenager was also charged in the incident, but cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Canada Pension Plan sells Rs 6,800 crore shares of Kotak Mahindra Bank The Canada Pension Plan and Investment Board (CPPIB) on Thursday sold four crore shares of Kotak Mahindra Bank worth around Rs 6,800 crore through an open market transaction. According to bulk deal data on BSE, the investment board sold the shares at an average price of Rs 1,700.10 apiece.

The deal is valued at about Rs 6,800 crore.

CPPIB, a public shareholder in the company, had a 6.37 percent stake at the end of December 2021. Separately, the regents of the University of California bought 1.1 crore shares of the company at Rs 1,699.05 apiece, valuing the deal at about Rs 1,908 crore. On BSE, shares of Kotak Mahindra Bank declined 3.09 per cent to end at Rs 1,713.40 apiece.

Freedom Convoy organizers Lich, Barber facing new charges Two prominent organizers of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ occupation of downtown Ottawa are facing new criminal charges. Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are now jointly charged with mischief, counselling mischief, intimidation, counselling intimidation, counselling obstruction of police and obstructing police.

Both were arrested on Feb. 17, a day before police began moving in to clear demonstrators from downtown Ottawa streets.

Barber was released on bail the next day. Lich was released on bail on March 7.

Barber had previously been charged with counselling to commit mischief, counselling

A cold, wet journey to warmer weather The first day of spring has officially arrived, but Mother Nature may still make it feel like winter in BC for several weeks to come.

The Weather Network released its latest long-term forecast for spring this week, and forecasters say we’re in for some temperature turbulence before we get to patio season.

“Most Canadians will need to be patient as we wait for more consistent warm weather,” The Weather Network said. “Periods of warm spring weather will continue to provide us with a delightful contrast to winter’s fury, but we still have a rocky road ahead with a few more bouts of late-winter-like weather before spring finally hits its stride.”

BC’s spring is forecast to be both wetter and colder than normal. That’s good news for skiers and snowboarders though, since additional mountain snowfall could extend the season. Spring usually hits BC first compared to the rest of the country, but The Weather Network says our progress through the season could be slower than normal. It may be a blessing come summer though, with increased precipitation and cooler temperatures dulling the wildfire season.

Overall, the few tastes of spring we’ve gotten so far may not last. The season is known for its changeable weather, and winter may not be ready to retreat for good.

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Another prominent leader of the protest, Pat King, is appearing in court Thursday afternoon.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

OPINION

The Trudeau-Singh deal means Canadians can breathe easy for the next 3 years Brace yourself, Canada. If you thought the whining and wailing from truck-loving Conservatives about freedom and democracy was bad before, watch how they respond to the deal Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh just struck. It will be portrayed as equal parts fascism and socialism, and it will kick up a

populist fuss the likes of which we’ve never seen in this country. And in the end, it will be worth it.

That’s because the confidence and supply agreement, which will see the NDP support the Liberal government on key votes until 2025, gives Canadians the stability and certainty they need from their government. It will buy the feds space

and time to deliver on big files like pharmacare and dental care without worrying about whether there’s an election around the corner.

And it will almost certainly allow Trudeau to pass his leadership baton to a successor without forcing them straight into an election.

The deal is an obvious win for the NDP, which gets to take credit (deservedly) for the introduction of key new social programs. But it’s an even bigger one for Trudeau, whose legacy as prime minister is now clear — and secure. In addition to expanding the social safety net and enhancing the role of government in our lives, the deal pours concrete onto the climate policies that have been Trudeau’s signature achievement over the last six-plus years. *The government can continue moving forward with the important work of decarbonizing the economy without having to constantly fight rearguard battles about the carbon tax and rebate or the emissions coming from the oilsands. As University of British Columbia professor Kathryn Harrison tweeted, “I’s a hugely important time to have climate policy certainty as Canada adopts key regs and solidifies carbon pricing over the next 2-3 yrs (which most CPC leadership candidates would roll back.)”

Here, Trudeau clearly learned from the experience (and mistakes) of Paul Martin, who put forward ambitious plans on child care and Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples only to see them scuttled by a 2005 confidence vote that Jack Layton’s NDP refused to support. This time, Trudeau has taken that arrow out of the NDP’s quiver, ensuring it cannot bring down his government if and when the opportunity presents itself. For a politician who is often accused by his opponents of being an intellectual lightweight, this is a very smart strategy.

Conservatives, of course, are portraying it as an undemocratic affront to the freedoms and liberties of Canadians. Never mind that there’s nothing undemocratic about a formal coalition in our system (which, to be clear, this isn’t), or that a similar

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, March 26, 2022

VGH ranked among the best hospital in the world Anyone living in Vancouver can rest a little easier, knowing that a local hospital is actually one of the best in the world.

The Vancouver General Hospital was just ranked and landed a high spot on the list of the World’s Best Hospitals.

The hospital in Vancouver, known as VGH, placed 151 out of 2,200 on the list of hospitals. Given that there is an incredible amount of hospitals out there — this is pretty amazing.

The annual ranking was done by Newsweek, who said that the “goal of this study is to

provide the best databased comparison of hospital reputation and performance across countries.”

They looked at hospitals from 27 countries, with the U.S. leading as the one with the most hospitals on the list — at 33 of the best hospitals in the world located in the country. Canada was also represented though, by the Toronto General, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, North York General Hospital, Jewish General Hospital, Centre

Here’s how much Vancouver’s mayor, staff made last year The City of Vancouver has released it’s 2021 financial statements and it includes the list of salaries Nearly 75 City Hall employees earned more than Mayor Kennedy Stewart last year The City of Vancouver’s financial statements have been released for 2021, and it includes a list of how much money city councillors, the mayor, and city staff made.

The top earner for 2021 was City Manager Paul Mochrie at $332,616 in remuneration.

He took on the role fully in April of last year, after acting as the Deputy City Manager since 2015. The role includes overseeing the city’s $1.6 billion operating budget as well as the 7,700 employees.

City of Vancouver Manager Paul

Mochrie who makes more than $333,000 last yearVancouver City Manager Paul Mochrie is the highest earner according to a financial statements from the city. Credit: City of Vancouver Other top earners range from lawyers to the head of the Parks Board.

Following Mochrie, Nick Kassam, the general manager of real estate and facilities management, made $327,774.

Patrice Impey, who oversees all aspects of finance, treasury, risk, supply chain, and business planning for the city as the CFO made $303,535.

Donnie Rosa, general manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation made just under $275,000.

Most British Columbians want to keep working from home, new survey suggests As more and more people in B.C. are being asked to return to the workplace now that COVID-19 pandemic orders have changed, many are saying they don’t want to return.

A new study from the Angus Reid Institute finds workers across Canada are reluctant to return to office environments.

More than half polled (56 per cent) said they would look for a new job if they were asked to return, including almost one-quarter (23 per cent) who say they would quit on the spot.

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Visit Curious Cast Subscribe with RSS Last summer, Angus Reid found 39 per cent said they would “roll with it” and return to work full-time without complaints. Now, 29 per cent said the same.

Click to play video: ‘COVID-19: Study suggests pandemic has pulled Canadians apart’ Those polled said they feel their work

productivity over is “good” or “great” working from home but said the distance has had an effect on their connections with colleagues.

However, it does appear that those working from home say one of the most significant reasons they are reluctant to return is an improvement of their work and life balance offered by working remotely.

They cited not only the balance but the relationship with their spouse and their life overall have improved over the course of the pandemic.

COVID had a big effect on whether people stayed at their job or kept their job.

More than one-third of Canadians (35 per cent) say they left or quit their job during the pandemic. That includes 14 per cent who quit, 12 per cent who lost their job and nine per cent who retired or took time out from the workforce.

5

Mississauga mayor praises 19-year-old who took down hatchet-wielding mosque attacker Mississauga’s mayor praised the heroic actions of a 19-year-old worshipper who took down a hatchet-wielding attacker at a local mosque over the weekend.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the courage of the worshipers,” Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said on Thursday.

“One is the youngest, 19 years old, who quickly sprung into action to take down the attacker and ensure that this didn’t become a much bigger tragedy.”

On March 19 during an early-morning prayer, a man wielding an axe and bear spray allegedly attacked congregants at Dar Al-

Tawheed Islamic Centre, in the area of McAdam Road and Matheson Boulevard. Following the believed to be hate-motivated events, Peel police said members of the mosque subdued the man until officers arrived.

While a few men in one row were sprayed, others standing in a seperate row reacted quickly to subdue the man.

“There was one young congregant who immediately noticed the axe in (the man’s) hand and immediately knocked it off to the ground. And then that’s when everybody kind of jumped on him to wrestle him to the ground,” Noorani Sairally, a volunteer at the mosque who witnessed the incident.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022 LOCAL / NATIONAL

Repairs to storm-damaged Coquihalla Highway expected by end of the year, province says A key B.C. highway linking the Lower Mainland to the Interior that was damaged in a serious of storms last November will undergo permanent repairs this summer, the province announced Thursday.

The Coquihalla Highway was closed for weeks after major storms led to extreme damage on the route. While the road reopened to regular traffic in January, only temporary repairs were completed by that time.

Now, the province is ready to move ahead on permanent fixes.

“Our crews worked hard to get the Coquihalla reopened after the severe flooding event and were able to do so in short order about a month after the storm,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming in a news release. “The pace of reconstruction to get the Coquihalla

back open to traffic was impressive and beyond anything we could have imagined.”

The temporary repairs have meant there are fewer lanes and lower speed limits in some areas.

FlemingsaidtheplanstorepairtheCoquihalla include looking ahead to future storms.

“We are excited to move forward on the permanent reconstruction of this key route,” he said.

“We will be making our infrastructure more resilient to climate change and future weather events so it remains reliable, safe and efficient for people and as our key goods movement corridor for now and for years to come.”

The government is requesting proposals from contractors to repair damage at Bottletop, Juliet and Jessica bridges. The ministry said repairs in those areas will allow officials to reopen the highway to its four-lane capacity.

Surrey woman wins life-changing scratch-and-win prize Most of us have bought scratchand-win lottery tickets at one time or another, but for a woman in Surrey, her decision to buy one sure paid off. Erin Robinson bought a Bingo scratch card at the Safeway on Fraser Highway and scratched the ticket later that night at her parents’ house.

Most of us have bought scratchand-win lottery tickets at one time or another, but for a woman in Surrey, her decision to buy one sure paid off.

Erin Robinson bought a Bingo scratch card at the Safeway on Fraser Highway and scratched the ticket later that night at her parents’ house.

You might also like: Missing millionaire: Someone in Vancouver hasn’t claimed a $15M Lotto Max jackpot Someone in Canada could win a $70 million Lotto max jackpot this week “I ended up finishing scratching it while I was in bed and didn’t want to wake anyone,” she explained. “I was in shock and didn’t sleep that night!”

Robinson ended up winning $150,000.

She waited until 6 am the next morning to wake her mom and tell her the news.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022 From page 1

24-year-old man charged in Ontario mosque attack

the noxious substance, which is the basis of that charge,” said Higgs. “There were no other injuries sustained.”

He said that at this stage of the investigation it appears to be an isolated incident.

“Peel Police will continue to offer

reassurance to the community and the mosque and are providing additional support to those affected by the incident,” he said.

Following the incident, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have shared messages of support on Twitter.

Canadians to be prepared of new Covid-19 wave probably have a rise in cases and we know that whenever there’s a rise in cases, there’s usually this corresponding rise, sadly, in hospitalizations and deaths,” Bogoch said. Public health officials tracking prevalence of COVID-19 through municipal wastewater testing in Ontario say they’re seeing a “sustained increase” in the viral signal in a variety of locations.

The increase comes after the province rolled back mask mandates and other restrictions including capacity limits for many indoor spaces and vaccine passports. Other provinces that have also recently eased restrictions, such as Alberta and B.C., are also seeing an uptick in viral load through wastewater data.

Experts say this rise is expected with the easing of public health measures, but note the simultaneous emergence of the Omicron subvariant BA.2 that’s now spreading across regions in Asia and Europe is complicating matters.

While most agree that Canada’s immunization rates should blunt the impacts of the so-called “stealth” subvariant, some worry that decreased public health vigilance could clear a path for BA.2 to drive up infections and hospitalizations.

In Quebec, officials say the BA.2 sub-

variant of Omicron now accounts for half of new infections in the province, while Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Wednesday BA.2 is now the dominant strain of Omicron in her province.

Canada’s chief public health officer suggested last week that the country may be protected from the worst of the COVID-19 resurgence, instead predicting a spring “blip” as public health measures are lifted.

Demolition of Frontier Cloth House is a huge shift for Punjabi Market From page 1

other parts of the Fraser Valley.

The demolition of the building marks a huge change for the oldest little India in North America.

When it came to finding Indian garments, Punjabi Market used to be the prime destination. Whether you were suiting up for a wedding or a cultural function, there were multiple outlets where you could shop and bargain for better prices. Many of the other outlets have also disappeared or moved to Surrey.

While Punjabi Market still is a shopping destination for many people, it doesn’t have the same allure it used to in the 90s and early 2000s.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Canadian dollar holds near two-month high as Wall Street rebounds The Canadian dollar strengthened to a two-month high against its U.S. counterpart on Thursday, notching its eighth straight day of gains, as Wall Street rallied and domestic attention shifted to an upcoming speech by a senior Bank of Canada policymaker.

FILE PHOTO: A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the “Loonie”, is pictured in this illustration picture taken in Toronto January 23, 2015. REUTERS/Mark Blinch The loonie was trading 0.2% higher at 1.2535 to the greenback, or 79.78 U.S. cents, after touching its strongest intraday level since Jan. 21 at 1.2510.

The currency’s winning streak of eight days was the longest since August 2016.

“The key drag on the CAD’s performance in the earlier stages of the Russian attack on Ukraine was higher equity market volatility,” strategists at Scotiabank, including Shaun Osborne, said in a note.

“With equity markets more comfortable — for now — with the global risk backdrop, we expect fundamental drivers to support a stronger CAD in the coming weeks.”

U.S. stocks rose and the VIX index, a key measure of expected equity market volatility, declined 8% even as the war in Ukraine dragged on.

The Scotiabank strategists expect the loonie to strengthen to the 1.24to-1.2450 area “fairly quickly.”

Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Sharon Kozicki is due to speak on Friday on monetary policytotheFederalReserveBankofSanFrancisco.

Money markets expect Canada’s central bank to raise interest rates nearly 200 basis points further this year after it hiked this month for the first time since before the pandemic.

The price of oil, one of Canada’s major exports, settled 2.25% lower at $112.34 a barrel as EU countries remained divided on whether to sanction Russian oil and gas directly.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Man gets conditional discharge for assault of 92-year-old Asian man in Vancouver The man seen on video shoving an older Asian man at a Vancouver convenience store two years ago has been sentenced to a conditional discharge, one year of probation and 20 hours of community service.

Jamie Bezanson, 51, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault in relation to the disturbing March 13, 2020, incident at East 1st Avenue at Nanaimo Street and was sentenced in provincial court on Monday.

He is prohibited from contacting the victim and several others, and must not visit the 7-Eleven where the assault took place.

Two years ago, as the pandemic took hold in Canada, police said Bezanson yelled racist remarks at the 92-year-old victim, including comments about COVID-19.

Footage from security cameras at the store then shows him grabbing the victim’s arm, leading him outside, and shoving him.

The victim, who suffers from severe dementia, fell and hit his head, but was not injured.

Bezanson is then seen propping the older man up to a sitting position before going back inside the shop. At the time, police said he fled before officers arrived.

The incident was initially investigated as a

possible hate crime, but Crown prosecutors later determined that even with seven witnesses and the security footage, there was not a reasonable likelihood they could prove it was motivated by hate.

“Hate crimes cases are complex, and investigators must consider a variety of factors when collecting evidence,” Sgt. Steve Addison with the Vancouver police said in a statement Monday. “We trust the judiciary to independently assess all evidence in any given case, and to conclude whether hate, prejudice or bias were aggravating factors.

We respect the decision of the courts.”

Click to play video: ‘Vancouver police search for suspect in appalling crime against 92-year-old man’ 1:52 Vancouver police search for suspect in appalling crime against 92-year-old man Vancouver police search for suspect in appalling crime against 92-year-old man – Apr 22, 2020 In the sentencing decision read aloud in court on Monday, the judge noted that Bezanson turned himself in as soon as he became aware he was the subject of a police investigation.

Former Vancouver police officer sentenced in sexual assault case A former Vancouver police officer has been given a one-year sentence in relation to an incident in Whistler in July 2019.

Jagraj (Roger) Berar was convicted in October last year of sexual assault involving an intoxicated woman in his hotel suite.

The victim testified that Berar, who is no longer part of the Vancouver Police Department, performed a sexual act on her in the suite after she had thrown up and blacked out. ‘I broke through the blue wall of silence’

— Sex assault victim speaks at Vancouver cop’s sentencing hearing Berar was suspended with pay when the allegations were first brought forward but is no longer a Vancouver police officer.

His defence lawyers asked for a one-year sentence, while Crown prosecutors requested he serve between 12 and 15 months behind bars.

The assault was first reported to Squamish RCMP on July 19, 2019, and happened on July 15.

Someone in Vancouver hasn’t claimed a $15M Lotto Max jackpot It’s been seven months since a winning Lotto Max ticket was sold in Vancouver.

And still, no one has come forward to claim the prize.

According to BCLC, the LottoMax draw was held on August 13, 2021 and the jackpot remains unclaimed.

Lotto Max winning numbers/BCLC Now, the person holding the winning ticket has a bit more time to come forward — all lottery players have one year from the date of the draw printed on the ticket to claim a prize.

BCLC says it can be an individual d e c i s i o n .

“Upon winning a life-changing lottery prize, some players prefer to wait before claiming their prize to make personal and/or financial arrangements.

Other players prefer to contact BCLC i m m e d i a t e l y.”

This isn’t the only prize that has gone unclaimed in BC. A ticket worth $1 million from the March 18, 2020 Lotto 6/49 draw purchased on Vancouver Island was unclaimed when it expired at midnight on March 18, 2021.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Conservatives again demand an end to all federal COVID-19 restrictions

The Conservative Party is renewing its push to get the federal government to lift all remaining COVID-19 restrictions, arguing the country must move on from all pandemic measures after two years of this health crisis.

The party tabled a motion in the House of Commons Thursday — a legislative attempt to force the government to drop measures like the vaccine mandate for federal public servants, transport workers, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and the RCMP. The government has said already that as of April 1, it will have eliminated most travel-related COVID restrictions — such as pre-arrival testing and forced

quarantines — for fully vaccinated travellers.

While some restrictions will be loosened or eliminated altogether, the government will still block travel by unvaccinated foreign nationals and require all travellers on planes and trains to wear masks and show proof of vaccination.

The Conservatives say they want want all these measures lifted immediately. They argue Canadians have done enough to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“We can’t be expected to live under these restrictions indefinitely,” Conservative MP Michael Barrett, the health critic, said during debate in the Commons.

Canada is dropping pre-entry tests.

US, UK, Canada export credit agencies halt support to Russia, Belarus over Ukraine war The export credit agencies of the United States, Britain, and Canada said on Wednesday, March 23, that they are withdrawing new export credit support for Russia and Belarus over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a joint statement issued by the US Export-Import Bank, the agencies said they would continue financing support for exports to Ukraine.

“This decision builds on the wide-ranging packages of sanctions and measures imposed on the Russian Federation and Belarus since the beginning of military operations, and we encourage any ECA that has not already

done so, to join us in this step to impose financial pressure on the two countries,” the export credit agencies said in the statement A US EXIM spokesperson said the bank has not provided loans or guarantees to Russian entities since Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea under an administrative hold on processing Russian applications. The bank’s board is due to vote next week on a permanent ban on Russian transactions.

But EXIM still has $428.8 million in prior credit exposure to Russia, primarily for aviation sector loan guarantees that were granted before the Crimea annexation.

Surrey seniors home raises $4,315 to help people A pancake breakfast at a Surrey seniors home raised more than $4,000 to help the people of Ukraine as war continues to ravage their country.

The event was held at Camellia Residences, a retirement community at 10928 132 St. in Whalley.

Justin Penney, Camellia Residences regional director for leasing and marketing, said even with the cold and rainy weather, more than 240 people attended the fundraiser on Sunday (March 20).

“It’s a great initiative,” he told the NowLeader last week. “We have the team members, we have the kitchen, we have the willingness and want to do it, and the space so it’s of course just something that we want to do and at the very least that we can do. We wish we could do more.”

Members of the nearby Ukranian Orthodox Church of St. Mary also supported the event and were presented with a special blue and yellow paper flower created by the seniors living at Camellia Residence.

Canadian troops ordered to stay away as foreign fighters flock to Ukraine Members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been banned from joining the thousands of foreigners who have flocked to Ukraine in recent weeks to help fight Russia’s invasion.

Vice-chief of the defence staff Lt.-Gen. Frances Allen told the House of Commons defence committee on Wednesday that the order came from Gen. Wayne Eyre, chief of the defence staff and it applies to both full-time service members and part-time reservists.

“So for current CAF members, they are not permitted to be in the area, even if they were to be on leave,” Allen told the committee as she appeared alongside Defence Minister Anita Anand.

The only exception is if their presence in

Ukraine is specifically approved by Eyre, Allen added. She did not indicate whether any Canadian troops are currently in Ukraine.

Canada previously had 250 military trainers in Ukraine, but the federal government said they were withdrawn to neighbouring Poland shortly before Russian forces invaded the country.

The government said those troops were retasked with providing humanitarian support, but Anand did not give the committee an update, citing operational security.

Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of an “international brigade” to help fend off a Russian invasion that began Feb. 24.

Where Canada could put $16B in additional defence spending Earlier this month, Defence Minister Anita Anand said she would be presenting “aggressive” options to significantly boost military spending in Canada’s next budget.

This could include a plan to boost Canada’s defence spending from 1.4 per cent of GDP, to two per cent – roughly an extra $16 billion.

But where to put all this extra

military cash? The National Post contacted a cross-section of military types – everyone from retired officers to infantry – to get their takes. Here’s how those military

personnel, who are anonymous because they are not authorized to discuss military budgets, said Canada should spend the extra money.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Home prices predicted to fall by 24% If the forecast of Oxford Economics holds true, home prices in Canada could fall significantly over the next two years, essentially erasing much of the skyrocketing gains made throughout the pandemic to date.

A recent analysis by the UK-based international research group states home prices could drop by 24% between Fall 2022 and Summer 2024.

The accumulated gains made over the last few years — the years leading up to the pandemic, and especially during the pandemic — have not been sustainable and have essentially created bubble-like conditions, but these are still dissimilar to the harsh conditions that led to the crash in the

US housing market in the late 2000s.

As of the end of 2021, Canadian home prices were 19% above the borrowing capacity of median-income households in Canada. And so far in 2022, this upward unsustainable trend has continued, with home prices by Summer 2022 expected to reach a level that is 38% higher than what most borrowers can afford.

Last month’s national housing market update by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) showed the country’s average home price was up by 21% yearover-year, hitting a new record of $748,450.

Vancouver businesses battle vandalism during COVID-19 recovery Packed with rare treasures from the past, Lorraine Shorrock’s store has been a staple on Vancouver’s Main Street for more than four decades.

The Source Antiques sells unique vintage items, antique reproduction hardware, British pub décor, darts and stained glass – but after enduring two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shorrock said she’s dealing in broken glass.

Small businesses in the city are under siege she said, from constant vandalism and theft.

“Nothing but being attacked – either their windows are broken or their stock is stolen,” Shorrock told Global News.

Surveillance from the family-run corner store captured a suspect smashing the front glass door and window last December, before breaking two side windows.

The owner couldn’t afford to fix all the damage so he launched a GoFundMe campaign to

Press release

help pay for the cost of replacing the windows.

“We’re feeling very frustrated and tired, exhausted, and very sick of the whole scene,” said Shorrock.The Source’s storefront has been scarred by four broken windows in the last three months, and the latest suspect was caught in the act.“Luckily, he made so much noise, the last one, that he woke up the manager upstairs,” said Shorrock.Vancouver police were called around 5 a.m. on March 6.

Officers were able to locate and arrest a 50-yearold suspect minutes later.The next day, Shorrock made a shocking discovery in her window display.

“I was a little bit horrified, I thought God, no wonder he can smash windows so easily,” she said.

Hidden in a mesh grocery bag with Santa embroidered on the outside was a sledgehammer.

“It’s really quite frightening when you find out they walk around your city carrying a sledgehammer,” said Shorrock.

Shen Yun: A Journey You’ve Been Waiting For

B.C. theatregoers will be thrilled to learn that the renowned Shen Yun Performing Arts is returning to Vancouver this year for the first time since the pandemic began in early 2020.

Shen Yun will play seven shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from March 22–27, just in time to usher in the official start of spring!

New York-based Shen Yun brings audiences the beauty of China before the advent of communism.

Steeped in 5,000 years of wisdom

with deeply spiritual roots, Chinese culture was said to be inspired by the heavens. Yet for decades, this soul of the nation—with its timeless values and virtues—has been systematically destroyed by communism, leading to strife and suffering for the Chinese people.

Today, through world-class dance and music, Shen Yun’s artists are reviving China’s true culture, live on stage.

After immersing themselves in the show’s beauty and wonder, audience members say theyfeel filled with a sense vitality and hope.

“I always feel uplifted when I come to see the show,” said Agnes Bristow, a Canadian writer and film producer who has seen the performance several times.

“When I leave the show I feel like I’m floating out—like all of the worries of the world have been taken off your shoulders and you feel like you are in a better place.”

Dance studio directorSamantha Imlay said: “My heart has wings when watching this. I couldn’t be happier.”

Shen Yun is a captivating experience not to be missed!

LOCAL / NATIONAL

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Vancouver rents have jumped 23 per cent in twelve months Tyler Kelly and Shayla Desjarlais combined their incomes in November to look for an affordable one-bedroom suite to rent in Metro Vancouver. The couple, who each receive about $1,400 in government assistance each month due to disabilities, are willing to pay roughly that amount for a permanent place to live. So far they’ve not had any luck.

“I moved here from Nanaimo when I was 21,” Kelly said. “Back on the Island, I paid $975 for an entire single-bedroom studio in the centre of downtown. It was a nice place.”

Since coming to the mainland, the 27-year-old said he has struggled to find a permanent place — alternating between living out of his car, couch-surfing at friends’ homes or living out of hotel rooms.

“We’ve heard, ‘We’re sorry, we can’t rent you this place because it would be more than 50 per cent of your combined income,’” said Kelly. “I have been on disability since I was 19 because of generative arthritis and joint problems that leave me unable to do many movements. I currently walk with a cane.

But what I’m making now is not enough for a $1,500 basement suite.”

The average rental price for an apartment in Vancouver jumped 23 per cent since last year, the largest increase of any Canadian city, according to the latest report from Rentals.ca, an online rental agency.

The jump kept Vancouver ahead of Toronto as the most expensive city in Canada for renters, with two-bedroom rentals

averaging $3,000 per month — an increase of more than 17 per cent compared to the same period last year. The average rent for a one-bedroom rental was just over $2,200.

“Prices are through the roof,” said Paul Danison, content director for Rentals. ca. “The rental market is getting squeezed on a lot of different fronts.” He said B.C.’s population growth has played “a big part” in pushing up rental prices. The pandemic push toward work-from-home situations has also contributed to the pressure on home prices, he said, noting that “people who work from home are looking for a little more space.” “When people move out and move up, places become available,” Danison said. “But rents go up.” The combination of limited rental supply, a growing population and skyrocketing property values have all contributed to the dramatic growth in rental prices in Vancouver — and B.C. — over the past few years. Rising interest rates and limited housing supplies mean that a lot of people who might have considered making the jump from renter to homeowner are holding off. “Why not put it off another five to seven years and build up more of a down payment,” Danison said of potential homebuyers putting additional pressure on the rental market. “In Vancouver, there’s not enough places for people to live,” Danison said, noting the vacancy rate in the GVRD was 1.2 per cent in February.

“It’s one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country,” he said.

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Star & Style

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Film The Kashmir Files - movie review A Bollywood film about the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus has sparked a huge controversy in India.

While some people see it as a true depiction of the Hindu killings in the 1990s, others say it distorts historical facts.

Over the decades of endless cycles of violence, waves of separatism, the infiltration of Pakistanfunded terror outfits, and the simmering discontent amongst the people, scholarly works and journalistic exercises have dug deep in order to excavate and explore.

As is always the case with complex histories of places and people, we’ve had

accounts depending upon which aspect of the issue they have been interested in. The last time Bollywood brought up the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley was in the 2020 ‘Shikara’, made

by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’ expands on that narrative and makes it the sole lens through which he views it. Right from the beginning, we know which side the film’s sympathies lie; as far as ‘The Kashmir Files’ is concerned, it was not an ‘exodus’, it was a ‘genocide’, in which thousands of Kashmiri Hindus were massacred, women were raped, children were shot point blank:

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Amitabh Bachchan declares Abhishek Bachchan as his ‘heir’ Amitabh Bachchan is very impressed with son Abhishek Bachchan’s work in the new trailer of his upcoming film Dasvi. After tweeting about the film in the day, Amitabh took to his blog and Twitter to elaborate on how proud he felt about his son. He also declared Abhishek as his heir, quoting his own father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poem.

(Also read: Amitabh loves Dasvi trailer, tells Abhishek, ‘Bhaiyu, simply love the moves’).

Sharing the trailer of Abhishek Bachchan’s new film Dasvi, Amitabh Bachchan declared him as his heir. Amitabh quoted his father, writer-poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan in

his tweet. The first trailer of Daasvi came out on Wednesday and is being widely appreciated. The film also features Yami Gautam and Nimrat Kaur in lead roles.

Posting a link of Dasvi trailer, Amitabh wrote late Wednesday, “Mere bete, bete hone se tum mere uttradhikari nahi hoge.

Jo mere uttradhikari honge, wo mere bete honge (My son, you won’t become my heir by virtue of being my son. Those who will be my heir, will be my sons). --Harivansh Rai Bachchan.” The actor wrote, “Abhishek, tum mere uttradhikari hoge, bus keh diya to keh diya (You will be my heir.

Sunny stuns in black Sunny Leone, along with her kids and husband was spotted at the Mumbai airport. She opted a casual look and was seen in a black crop top and joggers. Sunny’s husband Daniel Weber looked dapper in an orange T-shirt and black pants. Sunny also looks great of a vision in her poses on social media. The Baby Doll, dunuya peetal di girl, Ek Paheli Leela actor left fans in awe with her swoon-worthy snaps on Instagram as she rocked Graffiti Jacket with a black tee and comfy joggers.

Sharing the pictures, She wrote, “Love this look!”

The actress completed her look with the layers of gold chains around her neck.

She left her air open while flaunting minimal makeup.

Meanwhile, fans showered their love

for the star and complimented her unending beauty in the comment section.

One fan commented, “Beautiful.”

Another one wrote, “Wow.”

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Alia transformed from ‘pretty girl’ to resilient lady’

Dilip Kumar December 11, 1922 – July 7, 2021

Sanjay Leela B h a n s a l i’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi left the industry speechless with the powerful transformation of Alia Bhatt from a ‘pretty girl to resilient lady’. Although Alia Bhatt has given a number of memorable performances in her career s p a n n i n g over almost a decade, many believe her latest Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi is a touchstone for the actor. With soft features and a charming personality, Bhatt successfully changed her on-screen image as a tough and resilient madam of Kamathipura.

Apart from learning voice modulation and the disposition suited for a powerful figure,

One of the greatest actors of Indiam cinema

the actor had the help of a team of skilled makeup artists who took into every small detail while preparing the actor for a scene.

As the film continues to attract a crowd at the ticket windows, the Alia Bhatt starrer has so far minted over Rs 123.31 cr. at the box office. The makeup team of the movie recently took to social media to share a glimpse into the meticulous task of transforming the 29-yearold actor from a ‘pretty girl to a resilient lady’.

Dilip Kumar widely considered one of the greatest and most influential actors in history of Indian cinema, and cinema in general. Dilip Kumar, a pioneer of method acting, predating Hollywood method actors such as Marlon Brando.

He inspired many Bollywood actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Balraj Sahni, Shah Rukh Khan , Aamir Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irrfan Khan .

Dilip Kumar, who pioneered his own form of method acting without any acting school experience, was described as “the ultimate method actor” by noted filmmaker Satyajit Ray, despite not having worked with him.

Dilip Kumar was born as Mohammad Yusuf Khan on 11 December 1922, in Peshawar (north western province of Pakistan). His father’s name was Lala Ghulam Sarwar Khan and his mother, Ayesha Begum. His father was fruit merchant. He grew up in same neighbourhood in Peshawar as Raj Kapoor,

his childhood friend, and later his colleague in the film industry. Yusuf Khan was schooled at Barnes School, Deolali, Maharashtra. In 1940, he moved to Pune and set up a dry fruit supply shop and a canteen.

Despite hailing from Peshawar, Khan’s family decided to remain in Bombay following the partition of the subcontinent in 1947.

In his autobiography, Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, he wrote that the name was a suggestion from Devika Rani, who was one of the producers on Jwar Bhata. Dilip Kumar was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai in 1980.

The Government of India honoured Dilip Kumar with Padma Bhushan in 1991. He received Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

The Government of Andhra honoured Kumar with NTR National Award in 1997.

He was honoured with CNN-IBN’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. The Government of Madhya Pradesh honoured Dilip Kumar with Rashtriya Kishore Kumar Samman in 2015.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

LOCAL / NATIONAL

City councillor calls for vote on whether Vancouver should host 2030 Olympics A Vancouver city councillor is calling for a municipal vote on whether or not the city should participate in a bid to potentially host the 2030 winter Olympics.

An Indigenous-led partnership, including four local First Nations, the City of Vancouver, Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees is exploring the possibility of bringing the games back to the region, and is currently conducting a feasibility study on the idea. In a motion scheduled to be heard at Vancouver city council next Tuesday, councillor and TEAM mayoral candidate Colleen Hardwick is seeking to secure a plebiscite on the idea, to be held in conjunction with October’s municipal elections to save on costs.

Hardwick is proposing voters be asked a yes-or-no question on whether they support the city’s participation in holding

the 2030 games. Vancouver held a similar plebiscite on hosting the 2010 games in 2003. That vote, which saw a turnout of about 50 per cent, delivered a result of 63.89 in favour and 36.09 per cent opposed.

In her motion, Hardwick cites the partnership agreement but says “Vancouver electors/residents have not yet had the opportunity to express their views on this important matter that affects them.”

“Given the significant financial commitment involved in hosting, Vancouver electors should have a say on whether they favour proceeding with a 2030 Olympic bid,” the motion adds.

The 2010 Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) said in 2014 that the games “broke even,” but Hardwick says the full records from the games will remain sealed until 2025, making it hard for the city to make an informed decision before entering a bid on the 2030 games.

Name change I, tegbir Singh holder of Indian Passport No. N6895339, issued at Vancouver On 2016/04/12, resident of 114-504 range road Whitehoese, YT Y1A3A2 and presently residing at 47A-18 Azure road Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0L2, dohereby change my name from Tegbir Singh to

Lucky Vancouver man wins a million bucks on regular coffee outing A lucky Vancouver man is a million dollars richer after picking up a lottery ticket during his regular coffee outing.

Gregory Eden picked up a Lotto 6/49 ticket for the Feb. 19 draw worth $1 million from 7-Eleven on Burrard Street; he initially thought he won $1,000.

“I saw there were too many zeros so I kept checking it,” he recalled of the moment he realized he was a millionaire.

“My first thought was, ‘I can’t believe it!’”

The Vancouverite was elated to share the news with his family.

“They were so happy as they knew they

were going to be getting some help,” he said.

Aside from helping his family, Eden also wants to take a warm tropical holiday with his winnings.

“It feels really good to be able to help the family. I’ve always wanted to take a really nice holiday which I will soon be able to make a reality,” Eden said.

How does it feel to be a millionaire?

“Unbelievable! It’s quite the experience.”

Metro Vancouver has seen its fair share of money-making Lotto 6/49 players over the past week. A lucky Vancouverite is $6 million richer after playing Lotto

Arrest warrant issued for B.C. dad missing with daughter, not seen since January An arrest warrant has now been issued for a man who was reported missing with his daughter back in January.

Now Cowichan / Duncan RCMP say investigators have gathered sufficient evidence to recommend a criminal charge against Jesse Bennett.

He is wanted for abduction in contravention of a custody order after failing to return sevenyear-old Violet to her mother on Jan. 20.

Roget Hall said Bennett failed to return her daughter as part of a joint custody agreement set out in Victoria family law court.

Hall told Global News in February that she doesn’t know where her daughter is.

“I want to believe that she’s safe but at the end of the day, I don’t know,” Hall said.

Since late January, Hall said Bennett has not answered her text or Facebook messages and his phone is disconnected.

“He just completely, like, vanished,” she said.

In a Jan. 28 news release, RCMP said they had no reason to believe that Violet was in danger, but believed Jesse was “evading contact in order to keep Violet with him.”

Hall suspects her daughter is being withheld from her because she refused to agree to take Violet out of school — in a dispute over COVID-19 mask mandates.

“Because I was sending her to school with a mask on,” said Hall. “(Her father) doesn’t believe that she should wear a mask for that long.”

Hall said Violet has never complained about wearing a mask, and had been quite content to cover up during school, gymnastics lessons and store visits.

“She’s literally my world, she’s everything to me,” she said.

Violet is approximately four feet tall and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds, with blue eyes and big natural curly hair.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Ongoing immigration delays leave nearly a million people in backlog, waiting to become citizens and permanent residents Deepak Talwar spent thousands of dollars and two years trying to get permanent residency in Canada, but he’s only received boilerplate responses from the government’s immigration department and he said he feels betrayed.

The Saskatoon resident is still waiting for his permanent residency (PR) application to make its way through Canada’s backed-up immigration system since he last spoke to CBC News in December.

“I committed close to $550,000 to invest in Saskatchewan. I sold my properties back in India ... with a hope I’ll be in Canada and it’ll be worth it,” Talwar said.

“I thought I’d be a Canadian citizen by December 2020, then I’d have 10 years to explore this beautiful country,” said the bridge. Our government is building a bridge completely funded by us as we know how important it is to the movement of goods and people in this region.” He went on to say the foundation work is almost completed, crediting both the municipal and provincial government’s elected officials working collaboratively and keeping the “project on budget”.

In this same vein he talked about the success of his government in “creating 800 seats for Sullivan Secondary school and with another 12000 seats either completed or in the process of being completed”. He again pointed out how the past provincial Liberal government had sold land slated for schools, instead of creating seats for students.

On the second hospital in Surrey, MLA Starchuk clarified that the new hospital is a hospital in every sense of the word, not just a care centre as the Liberal opposition leader had called it recently. “An urgent primary care centre does not have an emergency ward,

51-year-old. “I never expected that in the last phase of my life I’d be facing these problems.”

Deepak Talwar is frustrated by the delays in getting permanent residency.

(Submitted by Deepak Talwar) According to data received from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department, the country had a backlog of more than 1.8 million immigration applications as of Feb. 1, including: In the meantime, Talwar, who owns a cabinet-manufacturing business in Saskatoon, said his work permit expired, even though he applied for an extension on Nov. 2. “Work permit extension applications take 133 days as per their website. That also expired on March 15,” he said, adding his driver’s license is only valid until March 31.

From page 1

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Quebec Premier Legault warns new Liberal - NDP alliance will trigger confrontation with provinces Quebec Premier François Legault is warning that the new alliance between the federal Liberals and the NDP is going to trigger a confrontation with the provinces, particularly around health care.

Legault’s comments to reporters on Wednesday were in reaction to the agreement announced this week that would see the NDP support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government through to 2025. In exchange for the NDP’s support, the Liberals have agreed to work with the party on several priorities, including a dentalcare program for low-income Canadians and national pharmacare. But Legault says both of those potential programs fall under exclusive provincial jurisdiction, and he adds that the Liberals and NDP are “very centralizing” political parties.

Update from MLA Fleming and the provincial NDP

doesn’t have operating rooms. And from the pricing point of view an urgent care center will cost 3 million dollars not 1.66 billion dollars that the BC government has promised for the new hospital in Surrey. The new hospital has 168 beds, emergency department, CT scans, MRI, cancer centre with radiation therapy, pharmacy and medical studies. It is the second biggest projects in terms of hospitals in BC.” On the Massey Tunnel replacement, the update focused on the progress in building a new five-lane Steveston interchange at the north end of the tunnel. This interchange is a local bottleneck, the minister stated the planned wider, more accessible replacement will be in service three years from now. “We’re preparing for the new tunnel’s environmental assessment process now and the first public comment period is planned for this spring,” said Fleming.

“We’ll share those details with everyone when they become available.” Fleming stated that

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construction on the Steveston interchange and other improvements will be underway in 2024.

On truckers demanding better road conditions, MLA Fleming acknowledged the truckers concerns and says he hears them. He had met with various trucker’s organizations recently and here is his message to them, “We hear their concerns and have added to maintenance contractors’ budget additional funds to repair immediately things like potholes.” He also stated his government was going to improve conditions and facilities needed for truckers, creating new, as well modernizing existing facilities, and increasing the number of restrooms along highways as he knows the role truckers play in moving goods which in turn keeps the economy running.

On the Surrey Langley Skytrain, MLS Fleming extended his appreciation to the City of Surrey for immediately starting the construction work needed to widen Fraser Highway along

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

He says the Liberal-NDP alliance “will hit a wall” if it tries to tell Quebec how to spend federal health transfers, adding that Ontario Premier Doug Ford agrees with him that Ottawa should not try to involve itself in areas of provincial jurisdiction, such as health care.

The Quebec premier is warning the federal leaders that they should expect from the provinces a “very strong common front” that would block any attempt to erode provincial powers. “I’m sorry, but the federal government has no jurisdiction to be able to say how much money we put into long-term care, how much we put into mental health,” Legault said.

Sonia LeBel, Quebec’s minister responsible for Canadian relations, told reporters that the federal government has the obligation to transfer money to the provinces for health care and the funding shouldn’t come with strings attached. the SkyTrain route to Langley. “Work is happening to relocate utilities along the Fraser Highway, and the City of Surrey is widening sections of the highway to accommodate the future guideway,” he continued, “this early work has taken off 2 full years from the total construction time with the line opening by 2028 saving the province about $500 million.”

The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project will extend the Expo Line 16 kilometres along Fraser Highway on an elevated guideway from the King George SkyTrain Station in Surrey, to 203 St in Langley City. It will include eight stations, park and ride spaces, bus exchanges, and new SkyTrain vehicles.

MLA Fleming’s closing remarks stressed the importance of City of Surrey to his government, and how the NDP government has taken steps by building big projects like the second hospital, more seats for students, and the SkyTrain to Langley. T hese projects show the NDP government is doing more for Surrey residents than the previous Liberal government did.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

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INDIA

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Petition in Supreme Court seeks court-monitored probe into ‘genocide’ of Kashmiri Pandits in J-K A Kashmiri Pandits’ organisation has moved the Supreme Court seeking a probe by CBI/NIA or any other court-appointed agency into the alleged mass murders and genocide of Kashmiri

Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir during 1989-90, saying the J&K Police miserably failed to make any progress in hundreds of FIRs pending with them.

In a curative petition in the top court, Roots in Kashmir has questioned the court’s

2017 order dismissing a petition for a probe into alleged ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits. Curative petitions are generally not taken up in open court and are heard by

circulation among the members of the Bench.

“The instances referred in the petition pertain to the year 1989-90, and more than 27 years have passed by since then.

Bengal Chief Minister orders hunting down of all suspects of Birbhum carnage Hours after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a tough stance and ordered the hunting down of all suspects of the Birbhum carnage including her party

colleagues, police on Thursday arrested a local Trinamool Congress boss Anarul Hossain from near a hotel in the pilgrimage town of Tarapith.

Earlier in the day, on visiting Bogtui village, the scene of Tuesday’s fire bombing and burning of eight people, Banerjee

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

India A new film on Kashmir has found a fan in Narendra Modi INSIDE CINEMAS, “The Kashmir Files” starts with a disclaimer: “This film... does not claim accurateness or factuality of historic events.” Outside the cinema, in contrast, the relentlessly violent drama is being promoted with what might be called a very big claimer. Narendra Modi himself, India’s prime minister, has hailed the film for exposing long-buried truths. So keen to share these is his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that states it runs have scrapped local entertainment taxes for the movie.

High-powered promotion is not the sole reason why “The Kashmir Files” has

bagged over $25m since it opened on March 11th, a post-pandemic record. The film also provokes strong emotions. Its story revolves around the very real tragedy of the Kashmiri Pandits, an ancient community of high-caste Hindus who were once perhaps 5% of the population of the Kashmir Valley.

India reports 1,778 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday India reports 1,778 new Covid cases, 62 more deaths With 1,778 new coronavirus infections, India’s total tally of Covid cases rose to 4,30,12,749, while the number of active cases declined by over 800 to 23,087, according to the government data updated on Wednesday. The death toll has climbed to 5,16,605 with 62 new fatalities being reported in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases constituted 0.05 per cent of the total infections, while the country’s recovery rate was recorded at 98.75 per cent, the health ministry said.

A reduction of 826 cases has been recorded in the active Covid caseload in the last 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.26 per cent and weekly positivity rate was

also recorded at 0.36 per cent, according to the health ministry. The latest 24 hours saw a total of 6,77,218 Covid tests being conducted.

India has so far cumulatively conducted over 78.42 crore tests. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease rose to 4,24,73,057, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.2 per cent. The cumulative doses of in the country so far under the nationwide Covid vaccination drive has exceeded 181.89 crore. The 62 new fatalities include 52 from Kerala. A total of 5,16,605 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,43,767 from Maharashtra, 67,415 from Kerala, 40,041 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,148 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,197 from West Bengal.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

India

Press release

Yogi Adityanath elected Uttar Pradesh BJP Legislature Party leader Yogi Adityanath was on Thursday elected the leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Uttar Pradesh in presence of party’s central observer, Home Minister Amit Shah, ahead of a “grand” swearing-in ceremony to be held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top BJP leaders on Friday.

“We got a twothirds majority because of our hard work in the last five years.

We have proved our mettle in people’s court,” an emotional Adityanath said attributing the success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’. Shah attributed BJP’s “historic mandate” to “successful leadership of PM Modi and successful tenure of Yogi Adityanath” “We elect the leader in a transparent manner,” Shah also said in an apparent jibe at the Congress.

Meanwhile, apart from leaders and highprofile industry heads, the list of invitees

include all present and past BJP chief ministers, Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut and the team of ‘The Kashmir Files’ Adityanath is scheduled to take oath at 4 pm at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium. His ministers are also expected to take the oath at the ceremony which the BJP is making all efforts to turn into a mega event The CM-designate has also called probable ministers for a breakfast meeting, sources said, adding that those invited include Keshav Prasad Maurya, Dinesh Sharma, Shrikant Sharma, Siddharth Nath Singh, Nand Gopal Nandi, Brajesh Pathak, Jai Pratap Singh, Satish Mahana, Jitin Prasada and Suresh Khanna.

Though the list is being kept under tight wraps, sources say around 60 ministers may take oath of which 25-30 may be new faces.

Some leaders who lost may also be included along with more representation to nonYadav OBCs and Jat community.

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Satbir Cheema’s message on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reinstates our deep belief that we need policies that could end systemic racism and ensure racialized people are protected. The past couple of years have deepened my personal commitment to build a more diverse and inclusive Society.

In a settler colonial state like Canada, systemic racism is deeply rooted in every system of this country. The systems put in place were designed to benefit white colonists while disadvantaging the Indigenous populations who had lived here prior to colonialism.

This power dynamic continues to be upheld and reinforced in our society, extending its impact on other new racialized citizens, including African, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, Jewish and Muslim Canadians.

Collectively, we at PICS are working to dismantle the barriers to opportunities both in our workforce and the community we serve. We recognize this is still a work in progress. Because outside of all the commitments and committees, all the dedications and slogans, there are still painful realities like; the discoveries of unmarked graves of Indigenous children at residential schools, higher rates of violence and discrimination against Asians during the pandemic, comments made by politicians about the Filipino community and later the South Asian community that placed blame on them for transmission of COVID-19, racial profiling of many communities and systemic discrimination against racialized youth, Quebec’s Bill 21 which is both morally

and legally offensive and would set a dangerous precedent that will significantly erode the rights of women, and minority religious communities living in Quebec, and increasing Islamophobia with many recent attacks against Muslims in public places.

Now more than ever, we must continue to stand in solidarity, while also resolutely condemning acts of discrimination and bias. We can reject actions that threaten our core values or strip others of their fundamental human rights, while we continue to acknowledge and learn from our own biases. We want Canada to be a true reflection of the communities that call it home.

Through the PICS Society event A.R.T. - Against Racism Together (#UnitedAgainstRacism), we aim to educate and inspire communities to eradicate racism and to send a message of solidarity, a message of unity and a message that we are all coming together from our different communities and we will continue to work for systemic and meaningful change.

Like Desmond Tutu very rightly said, ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor’.

We should always raise our voices against policies, practices, and behaviours which exclude. We can all push forward in our individual and collective journeys towards anti-racism. We won’t get it right every time, but should remain committed to do better, to stay humble and open. I hope you will join us, as this important work requires all of us. Let’s build a strong community together.”

Satbir Singh Cheema -PICS Society’s President & CEO

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INDIA

Saturday, March 26, 2022

India rejects Chinese foreign minister’s remarks on Kashmir at OIC meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has drawn a rebuke from the Indian government ahead of his expected but unconfirmed visit to New Delhi on Friday, upsetting his hosts with remarks made in Pakistan this week concerning the disputed Kashmir region.

Relations between the two nuclear-armed Asian powers turned chilly two years ago after a deadly border clash in the Ladakh region of Kashmir, and Wang would be the first highlevel Chinese official to visit since that time.

Attending a conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Pakistan on Tuesday, Wang said that “China shares the same hope” as the OIC on Kashmir, a Muslim majority region which both India and Pakistan rule in part but claim in full.

India has been fighting an armed rebellion

in Indian-administered Kashmir for decades and the OIC has long advocated Kashmiris’ “inalienable right to self-determination”.

“We reject the uncalled reference to India by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi,” the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday.

“Matters related to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are entirely the internal affairs of India. Other countries including China have no locus standi [right] to comment.

They should note that India refrains from public judgement of their internal issues.”

India has controlled nearly half of Kashmir since a war that followed independence from Britain in 1947, including the heavily populated and prized Kashmir Valley. Pakistan controls about a third. China holds the remainder and has long backed Pakistan in its rivalry with India.

India’s Zomato says it will deliver food in 10 minutes in a global first You’ve heard about — and depending on where you live, probably tried — having startups deliver grocery to you in 10 minutes.

But what if the same experience could be extended to hot, freshly prepared lunch and dinner? India’s Zomato, which has struggled to deliver grocery in 10 minutes in the past, and lately profits to its shareholders, seems juiced up to make that happen.

The company, which also once touted using deliveries by drones, said today starting next month it will begin delivering food in 10 minutes in its home city of Gurugram in what appears to be a first by any food delivery firm across the globe. The company is calling this new service Zomato Instant.

Zomato insists that it won’t pressure or

penalize its delivery partners to ensure a delivery in 10 minutes. In fact, the publicly listed company says its delivery partners won’t actually know that those deliveries are supposed to be shipped in 10 minutes. “Time optimisation does not happen on the road, and does not put any lives at risk,” Deepinder Goyal, the chief executive of Zomato, wrote in a blog post.

“The fulfilment of our quick delivery promise relies on a dense finishing stations’ network, which is located in close proximity to high-demand customer neighbourhoods.

Sophisticated dish-level demand prediction algorithms, and future-ready in-station robotics are employed to ensure that your food is sterile, fresh and hot at the time it is picked by the delivery partner,” he added.

Indian farmers supported Modi’s farm laws The majority of farmers in the country was in support of the three farm laws and a “repeal” or a “long suspension” of these legislations would be unfair to this “silent majority”, the Supreme Court-appointed committee to assess the laws had recommended in its report last year.

The report, submitted in court eight months before the laws were repealed, was made public Monday

by Anil Ghanwat, one of the members of the panel.

The Modi government had enacted the three laws — Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020, Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 — in November 2020

to bring reforms in the farm sector.

However, the enactment of the laws had led to massive opposition from farmers, particularly in north India. Farmers sat on agitation for over a year, forcing the Narendra Modi government to finally repeal the laws in November 2021.

Set up in January 2021, the committee submitted its report to the apex court on 19 March 2021. But it wasn’t made public earlier.

Dhoni hands over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Jadeja Twelve seasons, four title triumphs and five runner-up finishes later, the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni has decided to hand over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to his trusted lieutenant, Ravindra Jadeja.

However, in a brief statement, CSK said the 40-year-old will continue to represent the franchise for the “season and beyond”, having led one of the most successful IPL sides since the tournament’s inception in 2008 -- barring the two seasons when the team was suspended in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal.

“MS Dhoni has decided to hand over the

leadership of Chennai Super Kings and picked Ravindra Jadeja to lead the team. Jadeja, who has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2012, will only be the third player to lead CSK,” said CSK in a statement on Thursday.

“Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings this season and beyond,” the franchise added.

Dhoni, 40, who had announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, had led CSK to their fourth title last season.

CSK play KKR in the IPL 2022 opener here on Saturday.

21

Saturday, March 26, 2022

FIJI

Punjab Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets PM Modi askis for Rs one Lakh Crore Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday sought special financial package worth Rs one lakh crore from the Centre for the revival of state’s economy besides ensuring holistic development in the state during his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after assuming charge.

Mann called on Modi in his office at Parliament House this afternoon.

He apprised the prime minister about

the poor fiscal health of the state and said the previous governments have left a whopping burden of Rs 3 lakh crore.

An official statement from the Punjab government said Mann sought immediate financial package of Rs 50,000 crore each for two years to put the derailed economy back on the rails.

He hoped that with this financial help, the state’s economy would become self-sustainable

Stubble burning increased during farmers’ protests - report Punjab recorded more stubble burning events during the period farmers were protesting against now-repealed farm laws, according to a report submitted to the Parliament by the departmentrelated Parliamentary Panel.

Burning events are monitored by multiple satellites with thermal sensors during the harvest period

from October 1 to November 30 in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the Department of Agricultural Research and Education under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare told the Panel.

“The burning events recorded during 2019 in the

5 AAP nominees elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha All five Aam Aadmi Party nominees for the Rajya Sabha polls have been elected unopposed from Punjab, officials said.

On the last day for the withdrawal of candidature on Thursday, no candidate withdrew his nomination paper, Returning Officer-cumSecretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha Surinder Pal said. Thus, all the five candidates have been declared unopposed winners, he added.

The AAP had nominated former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, party leader Raghav Chadha (first cycle), Lovely Professional University

founder Ashok Mittal, IIT Delhi professor Sandeep Pathak and industrialist Sanjeev Arora (second cycle) for the March 31 elections.

The term of five Rajya Sabha members from Punjab—Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (SAD), Naresh Gujral (SAD), Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress), Shamsher Singh Dullo (Congress) and Shwait Malik (BJP) -- will expire on April 9.

Harbhajan is a former spinner of the Indian cricket team. Hailing from Jalandhar, Singh also captained Mumbai Indians and Kings Xl Punjab in the IPL.

Pakistan Imran Khan’s praise for India’s foreign policy draws opposition’s anger Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “praise” for India’s foreign policy seems to have disappointed many people in the country, with leader of opposition in the National Assembly Sheh-

baz Sharif terming it “the most bizarre statement to date”, adding that “India, particularly under Modi, has accused Pakistan of terrorism, opposed CPEC & hurt our interests globally. It has robbed Kashmiris of their statehood”.

China to ramp up arms export to Pakistan China has decided to increase its arms exports to Pakistan and take a major leap in its defence cooperation with Pakistan, initiating sale of arms ranging from stealth fighters to submarines, a move viewed as Beijings attempt to inflict more pressure on its border dispute rival India.I China is aiming to increase its defence

expansion in South Asia, which would further multiply its influence in the region. It should be noted that China’s increase in defence cooperation comes at a time when the US and Europe are focused on the deteriorating situation arising out of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Actor Muneeb Butt called ‘chamcha Pakistani star’ after he books entire Dubai cinema for wife to watch Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai It was a romantic gesture for his wife, Aiman Khan, that Pakistani actor Muneeb Butt booked an entire theatre in Dubai to watch Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, which did not go down well with the social media users.

Muneeb Butt, was roasted on the social media after he posted a video claiming that he booked the whole theatre for his wife.

A video showed that Muneeb booked the entire theatre for a private screening of Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi for his wife and now has gone viral.

In the video, Muneeb tells Aiman, “Tumhare liye puri theatre book ki hai. Agar Gangubai achhi nahi hui humein Yeh Na Thi Hamari Qismat dekhni paregi.” Muneeb plays the

China snares Pakistan in BRI debt trap Studies by global research organizations reveal that the Belt of Road Initiative of China, with the help of which Beijing is trying to snare low- and medium- income countries into debt trap, is marked by high interest rates, stiff repayment terms and lack of transparency.

A typical loan from Chinese institutions under the BRI entails an interest rate of 4.2 percent and a repayment period of less

than 10 years. As against this, a loan from an international donor consortium like the Development Assistance Committee of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, through which countries like Germany, France or Japan lend, carries an interest rate of 1.1 percent and a repayment period of 28 years. In fact, for BRI projects, interest rates can be even

Revised budget for 2021 - 2022 yet to deliver Fijian Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is yet to deliver the Revised 2021-2022 Budget because the Opposition is unhappy with the manner in which it was brought into Parliament.

Opposition parliamentarians Ro Filipe Tuisawau and Niko Nawaikula both raised

objections this hour – calling the suspension of Standing Orders to rush the debate and passing of the budget as “arrogant”, “unprofessional” and “undemocratic”.

He said the introduction of the revised budget was not in the parliamentary calendar, and this showed poor planning.

Quarantine & mask mandate removed Following the establishment of private testing facilities nationwide, the three-night-stay requirement upon entry into Fiji is being removed.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says from the 7th of next month (April 7th, 2022) fully vaccinated visitors, residents, or citizens of Fiji will only need to conduct Rapid Antigen Test within 24-hours of arrival in the country at an approved testing facility.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds engaging more private sector test providers brings in competition.

Sayed-Khaiyum says hotels are not going to be providers however, only remote ones can be providers after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport.

From the 7th of next month, Fiji will also do away with the Travel Partner system.

$4 / per hour minimum wage announced The national minimum wage rate will increase to four dollars per hour that will be implemented in four stages.

While delivering the 2021/2022 revised budget, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the rate will be increased from $2.68 to $3.01 an hour from the 1st of next month (April 1st 2022).

Sayed-Khaiyum says it will further increase to $3.34 per hour

on July 1st, then to $3.67 on October 1st, and finally to $4.00 by January next year.

“These are people whom we encounter in restaurants, convenient stores and petrol stations. They maintain gardens or clean offices or they are housegirls. They do much of the work we take for granted

UK and Fiji seal new deal on Maritime Security Fiji’s commitment towards securing and policing its maritime borders is recognised through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)betweentheGovernment of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Fijian Government.

The MOU was officially signed by the

Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan and the British High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Dr. Brian Jones, on Saturday 19 March, 2022 on board the Royal Navy’s Ship HMS Spey. His Excellency The President of Fiji was also at the signing.

22

Saturday, March 26, 2022 India, 12 others abstain in UNSC on vote on Russian-led draft resolution on Ukraine India, along with 12 other UN Security Council members, abstained on a resolution by Russia on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The draft resolution by Russia was cosponsored by Syria, North Korea and Belarus. It failed to get adopted in the Council on Wednesday as it did not get the required nine yes votes to pass.

Russia and China voted in favour of the resolution while there were no countries voting against. India and the remaining Security Council members abstained.

Permanent and veto-wielding Council member Russia had called for a vote in the 15-nation Security Council on its draft resolution that “demands that civilians, including humanitarian personnel and persons in vulnerable situations, including women and children, are fully protected, calls for negotiated ceasefire for enabling

safe, rapid, voluntary and unhindered evacuation of civilians, and underscores the need for the parties concerned to agree on humanitarian pauses to this end”.

The Russian resolution, which makes no reference to its invasion of Ukraine, calls upon all parties concerned to allow safe and unhindered passage to destinations outside of Ukraine, including to foreign nationals, without discrimination, and facilitate safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to those in need in and around Ukraine, taking into account the particular needs of women, girls, men and boys, older persons and persons with disabilities.

While other Council members made statements after the vote on the resolution, India did not make any statement. India had previously abstained on two occasions in the Security Council and once in the General Assembly on resolutions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

TB prevalence much higher than estimated; Delhi worst, Haryana among high-prevalence states: National survey TB burden in India is much higher than previously estimated; a comprehensive national survey conducted after a gap of six decades has shown.

Unveiled today to mark World TB Day, the National TB Prevalence Survey 2019-2021 reveals that the prevalence of microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB in population aged 15 and above was 316 per lakh in the country, with the highest prevalence of 534 per lakh in Delhi, and the lowest 151 per lakh in Kerala.

WHO had in 2019 estimated 193 per one lakh TB cases in India, with the national survey projecting a much higher burden today at 316 per one lakh.

The prevalence of all forms of TB for all ages in India was 312 per lakh population (286 - 337) for 2021.

The highest prevalence for all forms of TB was 747 per lakh in Delhi and the lowest was 137 in Gujarat.

The prevalence of TB infection among the population aged 15 and above is 31.4%.

Higher prevalence of pulmonary TB was observed in older age groups, males, malnourished, smokers, alcoholics and known diabetics.

The majority (64 per cent) of the symptomatic population did not seek health care services.

The reasons were ignoring the symptoms (68%), not recognising the symptoms as TB (18%), self-treatment (12%) and couldn’t afford to seek care (2%).

Among the 36% of survey participants who sought care for their symptoms, there was equal preference for government and private facilities.

“We should prioritise the interventions in high-prevalence states with focus on screening of elderly, malnourished, diabetics, and implement strategies to reduce the prevalence to notification gap. We have to continue engaging the private sector for increased case notification. We have to focus on health education in the general community for the symptom awareness and to improve the health seeking behaviour of the symptomatic.

Defence Ministry puts restrictions on import of 107 items under staggered timeline The Defence Ministry on Thursday announced a fresh list of 107 sub-systems and components that will not be allowed to import under a staggered timeline of six years beginning December with a primary aim to promote indigenisation.

The list comprises components required in the production of helicopters, submarines, warships, tanks, missiles, radars and communication systems many of which are currently procured from Russia.

Last December, the defence ministry released a list of 2851 sub-systems and components which will come under import embargo under a specific timeline.

Some of the components and subsystems identified for import embargo in the fresh list are used for construction of indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), electronic warfare system, Astra missile, T-90 tanks and infantry combat vehicles.

The list released by the Defence Ministry comprised 22 items that will be taken

up for indigenisation by the state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) while Bharat Electronics Ltd will indigenise 21 sub-systems.

The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders will take up indigenisation of six components and subsystems used for construction of ships and submarines, Bharat Dynamics Ltd has been entrusted with indigenisation of four items for Astra missiles, while BEML Ltd got 12.

Other defence public sector undertakings (DPSU) being involved in the process are Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Goa Shipyard Ltd, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd and Munitions India Limited (MIL).

“In continuous pursuit of selfreliance in defence manufacturing and to minimise imports by DPSUs under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence has approved another list of 107 strategically important Line replacement Units (LRUs)/sub-systems with a timeline beyond which there will be an embargo on their import,” the ministry said.

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

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