The Punjab Congress has announced a statewide protest campaign opposing the Centre’s proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), including a reported move to rename the scheme and alter its funding structure. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said on Monday that the party will launch its agitation from January 8, beginning with a protest march from Gurdaspur that will conclude in Guru Har Sahai. He said the campaign is aimed at safeguarding the original intent of MGNREGA, which he described as a lifeline for rural households

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 others injured when the Interoceanic Train derailed on Sunday in southern Mexico, authorities said. The train, which connects the Pacific coast with the Gulf of Mexico, went off the tracks near a curve close to the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca, halting traffic along the route. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the casualties on X, noting that five of the injured are in serious condition. She said the Mexican Navy reported the fatalities and injuries following the accident. Sheinbaum added that she has instructed the secretary of the navy

Peel Regional Police say a 20-year-old Brampton man has been charged following an early-morning incident near a Brampton transit stop that left a victim fearing for their safety. Police allege the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, near Chinguacousy Road and Drinkwater Road. Investigators say the victim had just exited a transit bus when they were followed by an unknown individual, who then approached and claimed to be in possession of a firearm. The victim contacted police, who located a suspect nearby a short time later. Officers allege the suspect produced an imita

A 27-year-old Chilliwack man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the city’s east end, according to local RCMP. Police say officers were called Friday to a collision at the intersection of Yale Road and Banford Road, where a vehicle had struck a power pole. Investigators determined the driver was the sole occupant of the car and lost control before the impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead before medical aid could be provided. RCMP confirmed that his next of kin have been notified. Mounties say alcohol is not believed to have played a role

U.S. President Donald Trump says negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine are approaching a critical stage following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida over the weekend. Speaking after the meeting on Sunday, Trump said progress has been made toward a potential peace agreement, although several key issues remain unresolved. He indicated that discussions are ongoing and suggested greater clarity could emerge within the next few weeks. According to information shared by both sides, the talks focused on long-term security guarantees for Ukrain

Seven people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a Nanaimo motel early Friday morning, sending smoke through the building and forcing guests to evacuate. Nanaimo RCMP say officers were called to the Value Lodge on Terminal Avenue shortly after 3 a.m., alongside local fire crews, after reports of a structure fire. Emergency responders worked to clear the building and assist occupants as smoke spread through parts of the motel. BC Emergency Health Services confirmed in a statement issued Saturday that seven patients were transported to hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalat

A widespread winter storm is expected to bring freezing rain, blowing snow and strong winds to large parts of Eastern Canada today, continuing a stretch of disruptive weather across the country. Environment Canada has issued multiple warnings from Ontario through Atlantic Canada as conditions are expected to worsen through the day and into tonight. In Ontario, forecasters say residents could see a range of hazardous conditions depending on the region. Freezing rain is expected in eastern areas, including Ottawa, while parts of northern Ontario near Lake Superior could see heavy snowfall. Timmi

RCMP in northern Alberta have charged a 42-year-old man with two counts of second-degree murder following a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of a married couple on a rural road near Grande Prairie. Police say officers were called early Saturday to reports of an active shooting near the intersection of Range Road 35 and Township Road 730, north of Grande Prairie. When officers arrived, they found David Lagace, 54, and his wife Michelle Lagace, 44, dead beside their vehicle. Investigators identified Curtis Phillip Halladay as the suspect later that day. RCMP say Halladay was known to the co

Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney marked Christmas by offering holiday greetings to Canadians, reflecting on the economic pressures and uncertainties many families have faced over the past year while emphasizing the importance of solidarity and generosity. Both leaders highlighted the resilience shown by communities across the country during challenging times. In his recorded Christmas message, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the holiday season serves as a reminder of hope and renewal. He noted that light follows darkness and stressed that Canada is strongest when people look ou