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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
high-court-directs-punjab-government-to-decide-amritpal-singh-parole-plea-within-seven-days
IndiaJan 23, 2026

High Court directs Punjab government to decide Amritpal Singh parole plea within seven days

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to take a decision within seven days on a parole petition filed by Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh, who is seeking permission to attend Parliament’s upcoming budget session. The order was passed on Friday during a hearing on Singh’s petition, in which he requested temporary release to participate in the budget session scheduled to begin on January 28. The court instructed the state government to make a timely decision and disposed of the petition after issuing the direction. The case has drawn attention
threat-email-targets-himachal-pradesh-chief-minister-ahead-of-republic-day-event
IndiaJan 21, 2026

Threat email targets Himachal Pradesh chief minister ahead of Republic Day event

Security agencies in Himachal Pradesh have been placed on high alert after an email threat was sent warning of an attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during Republic Day celebrations. The message threatened to target the chief minister while he was scheduled to hoist the national flag. According to officials, the threatening email was sent to the Shimla district administration, prompting immediate coordination between police and intelligence agencies. Authorities moved quickly to review security arrangements at Republic Day venues and other sensitive locations in the state capital.
supreme-court-defers-bikram-singh-majithias-bail-petition-to-february-2
IndiaJan 19, 2026

Supreme Court defers Bikram Singh Majithia’s bail petition to February 2

The Supreme Court on Thursday postponed the hearing of a bail petition filed by Punjab politician and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. During the proceedings, the government requested two weeks to file its response, prompting the court to set the next hearing for February 2. Majithia, a prominent Akali Dal figure, was arrested on June 25 in connection with a case registered by the Vigilance Bureau. He faces allegations of acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The postponement means that the legal process regarding his bail will continue into next mo
four-prominent-punjab-leaders-join-bjp-ahead-of-2027-assembly-elections
IndiaJan 16, 2026

Four prominent Punjab leaders join BJP ahead of 2027 Assembly elections

Political activity in Punjab has intensified as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 state Assembly elections. In this context, the Bharatiya Janata Party has taken another step to strengthen its organisational base in the state. On Friday, former Congress Member of Parliament Jagmeet Brar formally joined the BJP in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini. He was joined by Omkar Sidhu, former officer on special duty to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Charanjit Brar, and Jagmeet Brar’s brother Ripjeet Singh Brar. BJP leaders
government-must-take-threat-to-bikram-majithia-seriously-ganieve-kaur-majithia
IndiaJan 15, 2026

Government must take threat to Bikram Majithia seriously: Ganieve Kaur Majithia

Amid reports of a threat to the life of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, his wife Ganieve Kaur Majithia visited him at Nabha jail on Wednesday and urged the Punjab government to treat the matter with seriousness. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, she said concerns over her husband’s safety could not be ignored. Ganieve Kaur Majithia said that if any harm comes to Bikram Majithia inside the jail, responsibility would lie with the Punjab Director General of Police, the Additional Director General of Police, and the jail superintendent. She alleged that she has no
bathinda-court-allows-kangana-ranaut-to-appear-via-video-in-defamation-case
IndiaJan 15, 2026

Bathinda court allows Kangana Ranaut to appear via video in defamation case

A Bathinda court on Thursday granted actor and MP Kangana Ranaut exemption from personal appearance in a defamation case linked to her controversial remarks during the farmers’ protest, allowing her to attend future hearings through video conferencing. The case was filed by Mahinder Kaur, an elderly woman from Punjab, who alleges she was defamed after Ranaut made public comments identifying her during the 2020–21 farmers’ agitation. The matter has been under hearing in a Bathinda court, drawing attention due to its political and social context. During arguments, Ranaut’s legal counsel

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CanadaMay 01, 2026

Canada reduces refugee health coverage, introduces co-payments for prescriptions and supplementary care

Cuts to federally funded health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants took effect Friday, introducing new out-of-pocket costs for medications and certain health services. According to federal program changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, refugees will now be required to pay $4 per prescription and cover 30 per cent of the cost for supplementary health products and services. These include mental health counselling, dental care, vision care, medical devices and mobility aids such as wheelchairs. Until now, the program provided full health coverage for eligible refugees until they q
smith-welcomes-u-s-approval-of-bridger-pipeline-expansion-tied-to-keystone-xl-revival
AlbertaMay 01, 2026

Smith welcomes U.S. approval of Bridger pipeline expansion tied to Keystone XL revival

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a newly approved cross-border pipeline expansion could significantly increase the flow of Alberta crude to the United States, following a presidential permit signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a statement from Smith’s office, the permit authorizes the Bridger Pipeline expansion, described as a partial revival of the previously cancelled Keystone XL project. The expansion is part of a joint venture between Calgary-based South Bow and U.S.-based Bridger. Smith said the project could transport more than 500,000 barrels of Alberta oil per day
eby-says-mls-talks-on-whitecaps-constructive-as-deleted-post-stirs-controversy
BCApr 30, 2026

Eby says MLS talks on Whitecaps 'constructive' as deleted post stirs controversy

B.C. Premier David Eby said talks with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber on the Vancouver Whitecaps' future were ``constructive,'' as relocation concerns grow. Garber is in Vancouver for FIFA Congress events and met with Eby on Wednesday, following reports that the league has discussed relocating the club, with Las Vegas a leading option. Eby released a video Wednesday night saying the province is ``at the table fighting hard'' to keep the team in Vancouver, calling its loss ``not an option.'' David Eby on X:Premier David Eby on X (screengrab)Hours later, a now-deleted post from Garb
carney-appoints-jonathan-wilkinson-as-canadas-next-ambassador-to-the-european-union
CanadaApr 30, 2026

Carney appoints Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Member of Parliament and former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union, according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office. Wilkinson, who represents North Vancouver–Capilano, previously served in senior cabinet roles under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, including minister of natural resources and minister of environment and climate change. The Prime Minister’s Office said Wilkinson brings “proven experience, judgment and leadership” to the role as Canada seeks to strengthen its
carney-to-visit-saudi-arabia-amid-renewed-canada-gulf-relations
CanadaApr 30, 2026

Carney to visit Saudi Arabia amid renewed Canada–Gulf relations

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming period, in what would be the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in at least two decades. According to government officials, the visit follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and comes after recent efforts by both countries to rebuild diplomatic ties that were strained for several years. The dispute dates back to 2018, when the former Trudeau government criticized Saudi Arabia’s justice system and raised concerns about the arrest of women’s rights activists. In response, Saudi