The Indian government has introduced the Immigration Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, which includes stricter penalties for illegal entry into the country. According to the bill, anyone found entering India without a valid passport and documents could face imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to 5 lakh rupees. The bill also stipulates that individuals who illegally bring, house, or settle a foreigner in India could face a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine ranging from 2 to 5 lakh rupees, or both. It will now be mandatory for all foreigners to possess a valid pa

The British Columbia and federal governments have announced funding to ensure adequate housing for survivors of gender-based violence in the province. The B.C. Housing Ministry says in a news release that Ottawa is providing nearly $37 million over four years and the province will match the investment. It says the money will be used to help victims transition to secure rental housing in the private market. The ministry says the benefit provided by BC Housing will supply an average of $600 per household each month, but notes that amount will be determined based on income, family size and rent c

Premier David Eby has urged the federal government to impose a tax on U.S. thermal coal passing through British Columbia in retaliation to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. B.C. ports, particularly the Port of Vancouver, play a crucial role in facilitating coal exports from U.S. states such as Montana and Wyoming, which depend on Canada to reach Asian markets. According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Port of Vancouver handled approximately 17.4 million metric tons of thermal coal in 2024, with about three-quarters of it originating from the U.S. and being shipped to foreig

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that his reasons for imposing tariffs are constantly shifting. Joly argued that Trump's main goal behind the trade war with Canada is to exert economic pressure in an attempt to bring Canada under U.S. influence. Joly emphasized that Canada will not yield to this pressure, noting that Canadians have made their stance clear. In related news, Mark Carney, who is expected to become Canada's next Prime Minister, has also weighed in on the issue. Carney expressed his willingness to engage

On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada reduced its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, marking the seventh consecutive interest rate cut. This decision comes in response to the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States. Governor Tiff Macklem stated that the economy had started the year strong, with solid GDP growth and inflation around two percent. However, tariff uncertainty has impacted business spending and consumer confidence, prompting the central bank to lower the interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point. Macklem also emphasized that the bank will proceed

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will hold a rally in Ludhiana on March 18. During the rally, both leaders will also visit the Civil Hospital, where they will inaugurate modern healthcare facilities. Ahead of the upcoming by-election for the Ludhiana West seat, the AAP has already begun its preparations, although the Election Commission has yet to announce the election date. The party has fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate for the seat, which became vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi.

Three rebel BC Conservative MLAs are considering forming a new political party after the party recently expelled Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie due to controversial comments about residential schools. In solidarity, two other MLAs, Jordan Kelly and Tara Armstrong, also left the party. To gain party status in the BC legislature, a minimum of two MLAs is required. This means that Brodie, Armstrong, and Kelly could qualify for party status and benefit from several advantages. The new party would be allocated an annual budget of approximately $767,000 for staff and office expenses. Additio

A fire at a high-rise building in downtown Vancouver has displaced 42 residents. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services says crews were called to the building on Nelson Street on Tuesday and arrived to find flames coming from the building's seventh storey, extending into the eighth floor. It says firefighters fought the blaze with a ladder truck from the outside, while crews entered the building to temper the flames on the inside. The department says several people with mobility restrictions were found still inside and firefighters were able to help them to a safe area before gathering remaining p

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