More than 30 firefighters from British Columbia's Wildfire Service have returned home from a deployment fighting large fires that destroyed thousands of homes around Southern California. The Ministry of Forests say the crews are part of two separate groups, the first consisting of 13 technical specialists who were deployed on Jan. 11 to support the effort to combat the Palisades wildfire in L.A. Then, on Jan. 16, the BC Wildfire Service sent another 22 front-line firefighters along with an agency representative to California. The second crew worked on front-line fire suppression and other acti

Former Punjab Congress MLA Kulbir Singh Zira reported an incident of firing on his vehicle late last night near village Sherkhan on Ferozepur-Zira Road. Zira stated that while returning from a friend’s house, he noticed his car was being followed. The attackers allegedly fired six rounds at his vehicle; however, no injuries were reported. A complaint has been filed with the police regarding the incident. Notably, Zira, a former MLA from the Zira constituency, contested against Amritpal Singh in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha elections last year but was defeated.

Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that the criminal records of individuals deported from the US will be examined, with further action taken accordingly. Teams have been deployed to gather details of their illegal immigration background. Additionally, central agencies are expected to interrogate and record statements from the deported migrants when they arrive at Amritsar airport tomorrow. An official noted that these deportees could provide crucial insights into illegal immigration practices, particularly how travel agents exploit people through the “donkey route.”

A US military C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying approximately 200 illegal Indian immigrants is set to land at Amritsar airport on Wednesday morning. Most of these individuals reportedly hail from Punjab and neighboring states. This marks the first large-scale deportation of illegal Indian immigrants during Donald Trump’s second presidential term. It is also unprecedented for the US to use a military cargo plane for deportations to India. The Indian government has cooperated fully with the US administration in facilitating the repatriation process. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pr

The tariff dispute between Canada and the US has been delayed for at least 30 days. PM Justin Trudeau assured former US President Donald Trump that Canada is enacting a $1.3 billion border security plan. This includes deploying helicopters, advanced technology, and additional personnel to combat illegal human trafficking and drug smuggling. As part of the agreement, Canada will appoint a special fentanyl czar and designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations. PM Trudeau also announced that the border will be monitored 24/7, and a joint strike force between Canada and the US will target or

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced plans to deploy the military to the Canada-US border if he comes to power. Speaking to reporters in Vancouver, the opposition leader unveiled his six-point plan to strengthen Canada’s border with the US. Poilievre stated that Canada should regain control of its border, not just to appease President Trump but for the country’s own interests. He emphasized that the US must take concrete steps on its border, and so should Canada. He also proposed allowing Canada Border Services agents to patrol every part of the border, not just at authorize

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and opposition parties in the state have accused the central government of neglecting Punjab in the budget presented on February 1. Chief Minister Mann stated that the central government has offered nothing to the farmers and youth of Punjab. He added that this budget was presented with the upcoming elections in mind, making significant announcements only for the state of Bihar. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also criticized the budget for not addressing the uniform development of the country for the financial year 2025-26, instead fo

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, has announced the cancellation of its internet contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, following President Donald Trump’s imposition of heavy tariffs on Canada. Premier Doug Ford also stated that American companies would be banned from participating in the province’s contracts. The Ontario government had signed a $100 billion deal with Starlink in November, aiming to provide high-speed internet to 15,000 homes and businesses in rural and remote areas by June of this year through Starlink’s satellite service. Ford emphasized that Ontario would cont

BC Opposition Leader John Rustad has announced his party's 10-point tariff response plan, urging the Eby government to implement it immediately to safeguard the province's economy. In a letter to Premier David Eby, Rustad called for the province to negotiate agreements with other provinces to eliminate barriers to interprovincial trade, reduce carbon taxes, and open B.C. trade offices in countries beyond the U.S. Meanwhile, Ravi Kahlon, the head of the cabinet committee established by Premier Eby to tackle potential tariffs, has emphasized the government's commitment to diversifying B.C.'s ec