Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has attacked BJP on Bhakra water issue and has also warned of launching a big front to protect Punjab's waters. It is learnt that Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini had written a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, informing about the shortage of drinking water in many parts of Haryana, demanding 8500 cusecs of water. According to Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Haryana has used its share of water allocated for this year till March 31 and is demanding three times more wate

The Canadian government is reviewing a $19-billion purchase of US-made fighter jets, but defense experts warn it could anger Trump as Ottawa and Washington prepare to negotiate a new economic and security relationship. Mark Carney, who took office as prime minister in March, ordered a review of the F-35 fighter jet purchase from Lockheed Martin as the trade war between Canada and the United States escalated. A Department of National Defence spokesman said Wednesday that the F-35 purchase is under review but could not say when it would be completed. However, experts believe it is unlikely t

The Quebec government is expanding its cellphone ban in schools, prohibiting the devices on the grounds of the province's elementary and high schools for the entire school day. Education Minister Bernard Drainville says the measure will encourage young people to socialize and will help prevent cyberbullying. Cellphones have already been prohibited in Quebec classrooms since January 2024, with a few exceptions. The new ban takes effect this fall and will apply from the beginning to the end of the school day, including during lunch breaks and in hallways, cafeterias and schoolyards. The ban was

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with both countries to reduce rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Rubio on Wednesday appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar separately during phone calls to reduce tensions. In his conversation with Jaishankar, Rubio also expressed grief over the deaths in the Pahalgam attack. Hours after his phone conversation with the US Secretary of State, Jaishankar on Thursday said that the perpetrators, supporters and conspirato

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the G7 summit in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed. Carney said he spoke with Zelensky on the phone yesterday. The prime minister said Ukraine has shown its commitment to peace and Russia should come to the negotiating table in good faith. Carney added that he looks forward to welcoming President Zelensky to the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta this June and that this war must end and that Canada will continue its efforts among allies for the freedom, peace and security of Ukraine. The Canadian Prime Minister's Office said in a

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to depart the Trump administration. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter, which marks the first major staff shakeup of President Donald Trump’s second term. Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen. A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Waltz, telling Tr

More of the dead are being identified in the attack where an SUV drove down a street crowded with people at a Vancouver festival. Police also say that 10 people remain in hospital, including a 22-month-old boy who is in serious condition. DANIEL SAMPER, GLITZA MARIA CAICEDO AND THEIR DAUGHTER GLITZA DANIELA SAMPER Daniel Samper, his wife Glitza Maria Caicedo, and their daughter Glitza Daniela Samper were among 11 people killed at the Filipino festival on April 27. The family immigrated, along with their son, Alejandro, from Colombia to Vancouver in the early 2000s to start a new life. Alejandr

The B.C. government is investing up to $11 million in four capital projects in the forestry sector to boost the local timber manufacturing sector. Jobs and Economic Development Minister Diana Gibson said in a statement that the government investment was needed to strengthen domestic B.C. companies in the forestry sector. Gibson says the funding will also create more than 100 jobs and keep hundreds more employed. Companies receiving support from the government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund include Nelson-based Spearhead Timberworks, Langley-based construction plywood manufacturer Westlam I

The Vancouver Whitecaps can qualify for their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup final tonight. The Whitecaps, who beat Inter Miami 2-0 in the first game of the two-leg, aggregate score series, visit Lionel Messi's Florida side tonight in Fort Lauderdale. The Caps need a win, a draw or a loss by a single goal to advance to the Cup final. The Whitecaps reached the tournament semifinals back in 2017. The CONCACAF Champions Cup features the best teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean to crown a regional champion and to qualify for the next FIFA Club World Cup.