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sukhbir-badal-urges-punjab-police-to-stop-harassment-of-akali-workers
IndiaFeb 05, 2026

Sukhbir Badal urges Punjab Police to stop harassment of Akali workers

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday led the party’s core committee members to the Punjab Director General of Police office in Chandigarh, alleging harassment of Akali workers by the police. Badal said the action was linked to the investigation into the alleged disappearance of 328 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, claiming that party workers were being unfairly targeted in the case. He maintained that the Shiromani Akali Dal was seeking clarity from senior police officials on the basis of the ongoing actions. The Akali Dal leader said the party’s entire leadership
bikram-singh-majithia-released-from-jail-after-bail-in-disproportionate-assets-case
IndiaFeb 03, 2026

Bikram Singh Majithia released from jail after bail in disproportionate assets case

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia was released from jail on Tuesday, a day after being granted bail in a disproportionate assets case. His release has once again brought political tensions in Punjab into sharp focus. Speaking to reporters after walking out of jail, Majithia strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party led Punjab government, alleging that it had targeted him for political reasons. He claimed the government did not want him to come out alive and said he would continue his political fight without fear or compromise. Majithia also thanke
supreme-court-grants-bail-to-bikram-majithia-in-disproportionate-assets-case
IndiaFeb 02, 2026

Supreme Court grants bail to Bikram Majithia in disproportionate assets case

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a case related to alleged disproportionate assets, bringing temporary relief to the senior Punjab politician after months in custody. The court issued the order on Monday after hearing arguments from both sides, noting that bail was being granted based on the circumstances of the case. Majithia is expected to be released from Nabha jail on February 3, following completion of formal procedures. While allowing the bail, the apex court took into account that Majithia had already been granted bail in
sukhbir-badal-meets-bikram-majithia-in-nabha-jail-alleges-political-pressure-on-punjab-government
IndiaJan 29, 2026

Sukhbir Badal meets Bikram Majithia in Nabha jail, alleges political pressure on Punjab government

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal visited Nabha jail on Thursday to meet senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is currently in judicial custody. The meeting comes amid ongoing political tensions in Punjab over allegations of misuse of investigative agencies. Speaking to reporters after the visit, Badal accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of acting under pressure from the central government. He claimed that Punjab’s interests were being compromised due to what he described as the state government’s inability to assert itself independently in matters involving feder
possible-ottawa-visit-by-india-trade-minister-seen-as-step-toward-reviving-canada-india-trade-talks
CanadaJan 29, 2026

Possible Ottawa visit by India trade minister seen as step toward reviving Canada–India trade talks

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is expected to visit Canada in the coming weeks, a move that could signal renewed momentum in stalled trade negotiations between the two countries. According to available information, Goyal may travel to Ottawa in the third week of February following a formal invitation from Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu. The proposed visit is largely focused on restarting discussions around a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has remained on hold amid diplomatic strains. Both Canada and India have previou
deputy-maharashtra-chief-minister-killed-in-private-plane-crash-in-western-india
IndiaJan 28, 2026

Deputy Maharashtra chief minister killed in private plane crash in western India

A privately operated aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed in an open field in western India on Wednesday, killing all five people on board, according to India’s aviation authorities. There were no survivors. The mid-size Learjet 45 was travelling from Mumbai to Pawar’s home city of Baramati when it went down about 254 kilometres from the financial capital. Television footage aired nationally showed flames and heavy smoke rising from the wreckage. The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and an investigation has been launched by the Directorate Gen
punjab-vigilance-files-supplementary-charge-sheet-against-harpreet-gulati-in-bikram-majithia-linked-case
IndiaJan 27, 2026

Punjab Vigilance files supplementary charge sheet against Harpreet Gulati in Bikram Majithia-linked case

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has filed a supplementary charge sheet in court against Harpreet Gulati, an associate of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities. According to vigilance officials, the supplementary challan runs into more than 11,000 pages and details financial transactions between Majithia and Gulati over a period spanning from 2008 to 2017. The documents reportedly include records of multiple transactions conducted through various bank accounts. The vigilance b
IndiaJan 27, 2026

Historic Free Trade Agreement Finalized Between India and European Union

After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union have finalized a landmark free trade agreement, marking a significant boost to economic ties between the two regions. Officials say the deal opens new avenues for trade and investment while strengthening strategic economic partnerships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, highlighting that both sides are using the pact to reinforce their economies amid uncertain trade relations with the United States. He described the deal as a major step toward deeper cooperation and expanded market access. Und
sgpc-executive-committee-meeting-called-for-jan-31-to-review-complaints-raised-by-punjab-government
IndiaJan 26, 2026

SGPC executive committee meeting called for Jan. 31 to review complaints raised by Punjab government

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has convened an emergency meeting of its executive committee on January 31 under the leadership of SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. According to information shared by the SGPC, the meeting is expected to take up a detailed review of complaints submitted by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on January 15. Those submissions reportedly run into thousands of pages and include allegations related to the misuse of golak funds by the SGPC. Sources indicate that the executive committee may also delibera

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quebec-premier-open-to-return-of-u-s-wines-if-trade-gains-are-made
CanadaAug 10, 2026

Quebec premier open to return of U.S. wines if trade gains are made

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says the province could allow U.S. wines to return to liquor store shelves, but only if there are gains for Quebec and Canada in ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Fréchette said she wants to see reductions in tariff barriers affecting key Quebec sectors, including forestry, aluminum and manufacturing, before considering a return of American wine products to provincial liquor stores. The Quebec government previously directed the province’s liquor board to stop selling U.S. products in response to tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald T
BCAug 10, 2026

Merritt closes hiking and biking trails amid wildfire risk

Merritt’s fire chief has ordered the immediate closure of all hiking and biking trails in forested areas under the city’s jurisdiction, citing the risk of human-caused wildfires. Fire Chief David A. Tomkinson said the restriction took effect Monday and will remain in place until Sept. 15. Members of the public are not permitted to enter the affected trails and forested areas during the closure. According to the city, the closure is authorized under its bylaw, which allows the administration to restrict access to areas when necessary to protect public safety and property. Tomkinson said the
BCAug 10, 2026

Overnight Highway 99 closures planned in Delta for bridge work

Drivers in Delta should expect overnight closures on Highway 99 as crews install new bridge girders for the 78th Street overpass. The closures are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 11. Work will begin with lane restrictions before the highway is fully closed in each direction. Southbound lane closures are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with a full southbound closure at 8 p.m. Northbound lane closures will begin at 8 p.m., followed by a full northbound closure at 9 p.m. The closures will affect Highway 99 between the Highway 91 and Highway 17 interchanges. The highway is expected
BCAug 10, 2026

Canadian Armed Forces on standby as B.C. wildfires displace thousands in Okanagan

The Canadian Armed Forces have been placed on standby to assist communities affected by wildfires in British Columbia, as thousands of residents in the Okanagan region have been forced from their homes. Defence Minister David McGuinty said military assistance will be deployed once the B.C. government makes a formal request for troops to operate on the ground. McGuinty said the provincial government submitted a formal request over the weekend through Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski. Federal assistance has since been approved to help provide accommodation and temporary shelter fo
vancouver-police-seek-public-help-identifying-suspect-in-kitsilano-assault
BCAug 10, 2026

Vancouver police seek public help identifying suspect in Kitsilano assault

Vancouver police are asking the public to help identify a man accused of assaulting a 73-year-old man in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood on July 31. According to Vancouver Police Department, officers were called after the two men became involved in a verbal altercation. Police allege the suspect had been yelling at passersby before the victim approached him and asked him to stop and leave the area. Investigators allege the suspect then pushed the victim to the ground. The 73-year-old suffered head injuries in the incident, police said. Police describe the suspect as a Caucasian man with