Pakistani security forces exchanged gunfire on Wednesday with hundreds of separatist militants as they sought to free about 300 hostages aboard a train in the country’s rugged southwest, officials said. Security forces were being cautious as officials said the hostages were surrounded by militants wearing vests loaded with explosives. At least 27 militants have been killed and security forces rescued more than 150 of the 450 people who were on the train when it was hijacked on Tuesday as it entered a tunnel in Bolan, a district in restive Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army grou

Ottawa and Alberta have reached a new joint $70-million funding agreement to aid the province's response to homelessness. Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says the funding is expected to boost shelter capacity, build transitional housing, and support the government's navigation centres in Edmonton and Calgary. Those navigation centres serve as a hub where those experiencing homelessness can go to be referred to available supports and services. Nixon says the funding will be split between Alberta's two major cities as well as Red Deer and Lethbridge. The deal will see Ottawa provide

Calgary police say a massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault of a client. Police say the client went in January to Parkview Massage and Wellness in south Calgary. It's alleged the client was touched sexually without consent during an appointment. Police say the client reported what happened the following month. A 46-year-old man is now charged with one count of sexual assault. He is slated to appear in court in May.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has directed the registration of an FIR against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case involving the misuse of government funds. Kejriwal is accused of misappropriating public money by putting up large hoardings for campaigning. The court has also instructed the police to submit a status report by March 18. This latest case arises while Kejriwal is out on bail in the liquor scam case. He was released from jail on July 13, 2024, after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, and taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investi

Ontario has decided to withdraw the 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the US following positive discussions between Premier Doug Ford and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Premier Doug Ford is also scheduled to travel to Washington this week to meet with Lutnick. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent in retaliation for Ontario's surcharge. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement, warning that any move by Canada to cut off electricity to the US could

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to accept a ceasefire deal, as the United States announces the immediate resumption of intelligence sharing and military assistance to Ukraine. In a post on Telegram following a meeting between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, Zelensky stated that the US understands Ukraine's reasoning and accepts its proposals. As a result, Ukraine is prepared to accept the US proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Zelensky also expressed gratitude to President Trump for the constructive dialogue between their teams.

The BC Conservatives are currently grappling with a leadership crisis over comments regarding residential schools, putting John Rustad's leadership in jeopardy. The party is scheduled to hold a leadership review this fall, and Conservative strategist Allie Blades suggests that recent events will serve as a significant test for Rustad’s leadership. So far, three MLAs have chosen to sit as independents in the provincial legislature due to the party's internal divide. The dispute began in February after Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie made controversial comments about the former resident

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canada should hit the U.S. with matching 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum in reply to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest trade war escalation. Trump says he will double the steel and aluminum tariffs he promised to deploy on Canadian products tomorrow to 50 per cent in response to Ontario's 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. Trump originally vowed to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Canada should use Canadian steel and aluminum for public infrastructure projects

Former central banker Mark Carney, who is set to become the Prime Minister of Canada, has expressed his intention to re-establish and strengthen trade relations with India. This statement comes amid the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Carney mentioned that, if given the opportunity, he would focus on improving Canada's relationship with India. As he is now set to take office, it is expected that Carney will prioritize diversifying Canada’s trade relationships to reduce its reliance on the U.S. In related news, the Indian government is reportedly considering the