According to India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, preparations for the visit are at an advanced stage. While the final schedule is yet to be officially announced, Carney is likely to be in New Delhi and Mumbai on March 1 and 2.

The visit is being described as “professional and businesslike,” with discussions set to span defence cooperation, trade expansion, energy security, education, research, artificial intelligence, agri-food collaboration and space and aerospace innovation. Talks on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are also expected to figure prominently on the agenda.

Carney is likely to be accompanied by his wife, Diana Fox Carney, along with senior Cabinet colleagues, including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.

High Commissioner Patnaik indicated that the trip is aimed at broadening engagement across all sectors that define a modern bilateral partnership. Energy cooperation is expected to cover nuclear power, oil and gas and critical minerals. Defence collaboration, ranging from strategic dialogue to equipment production, will also be a key focus area.

Sources familiar with the planning said the India leg may be part of a broader Indo-Pacific outreach that includes Japan and Australia, effectively bringing together three Quad members, excluding the United States.

The visit will be Carney’s first major overseas bilateral engagement since assuming office. He had recently cancelled plans to attend the Munich Security Conference following a tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. His most recent international appearance was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he spoke about shifts in the global rules-based order.

This trip also signals a continued thaw in India-Canada relations, which deteriorated sharply in September 2023 after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Canada’s Parliament that there were “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India strongly rejected those claims.

Bilateral ties began to stabilise after Carney replaced Trudeau in March last year and retained office following Canada’s federal election in April 2025. Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have already met twice this year, first at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis and later on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where both sides agreed to move forward on CEPA negotiations.

Diplomatic observers see the upcoming visit as a potential turning point, aimed at consolidating what officials have described as a “new beginning” in India-Canada relations.

The contribution of $500,000 was made through the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation by Kuldeep Chohan and Gurpreet (Garry) Sangha, both of them from Punjab. The donation has been directed towards strengthening one of the hospital’s most critical patient-facing spaces.

The Emergency Waiting Room plays a vital role in the hospital’s daily operations, serving thousands of patients and their families every year. As the first point of contact for those seeking urgent medical attention, the space is central to providing comfort, reassurance, and dignity during moments of distress. Royal Columbian Hospital operates one of the busiest emergency departments in British Columbia, catering to a diverse and growing population across the Fraser region.

Hospital leadership, foundation officials, and community representatives gathered for the unveiling ceremony, acknowledging the increasing role played by immigrant communities, particularly Punjabis, in supporting public healthcare infrastructure abroad. Speakers noted that such contributions go beyond financial assistance.

Office-bearers of Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation highlighted that investments in essential care spaces help improve patient experience and contribute to the long-term sustainability of public healthcare systems. The initiative aligns with the foundation’s broader mission to foster inclusive and community-driven healthcare development.

The deceased, Prashant Sreekumar, collapsed at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital on December 22, after reporting intense chest pain earlier in the day while at work. He was taken to the hospital by a client and registered at the emergency department.

According to his family, Sreekumar was assessed at triage and asked to wait in the emergency room. His father, Kumar Sreekumar, arrived shortly afterward and informed hospital staff that his son was in extreme distress.

Despite complaining of worsening pain and high blood pressure, Sreekumar remained in the waiting area for more than eight hours, the family alleged. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed during the wait, but the results were reportedly described as normal by staff. He was later given pain medication, but his condition did not improve.

His father said when Sreekumar was eventually taken into the treatment area, he collapsed moments later, clutching his chest. Medical staff attempted resuscitation, but he was declared dead shortly afterward. Doctors later confirmed that he had suffered an apparent cardiac arrest.

Sreekumar is survived by his wife and three young children, aged three, 10 and 14.

The hospital is run by Covenant Health, which issued a statement expressing condolences but declined to comment on individual care details. The healthcare provider confirmed that the case is currently being reviewed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The incident has sparked debate in Canada over emergency room wait times and patient triage procedures.

The claim was made by Bishnoi's aide, Goldy Dhillon, who also released a video of the firing. 

'Sat Sri Akal! I am Goldy Dhillon (Lawrence Bishnoi Gang). The reason for the firing at singer Channi Nattan's house yesterday is Saradar Khera'.

The gang has also issued a blatant warning to the music industry against working with him. "Any singer who works with or maintains a relationship with Saradar Khera in the future will be solely responsible for their own loss. This is because we will continue to inflict significant damage upon Saradar Khera."

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for both -- the killing of Sahsi and the shooting incident at Nattan’s house.

The gang said the industrialist was targeted because he refused to pay extortion money.

The police has launched investigation into both the incidents with security significantly heightened in order to protect potential targets withn the Indo Canadian community. 

Halton Regional Police reported that the first incident took place at around 5.20 am. on September 25. Surveillance footage captured two suspects pouring a flammable liquid at the cinema’s entrance and igniting it. The flames caused moderate damage to the doors but were contained before spreading further. Prior footage also showed a grey SUV making repeated trips to the site, while a white SUV arrived around 5.15 am. Two masked assailants dressed in black were then seen using red jerrycans to set the liquid ablaze.

???? A Message from Jeff Knoll, CEO of https://t.co/9TNzgavfeD Cinemas

You may have seen or heard about the recent arson attempt on our cinema. The good news: only the entrance was affected, and the rest of the theatre is completely safe, undamaged, and fully operational.

These… pic.twitter.com/CLQQDilE0J

— Film.Ca Cinemas (@FilmCaCinemas) September 26, 2025

The second attack occurred just over a week later, on October 2, at approximately 1.50 am. A suspect fired multiple rounds through the cinema’s front doors. The police described the shooter as a dark-skinned male of heavy build, wearing black clothing and a black face mask.

Authorities have indicated that both attacks appear targeted but have not yet confirmed a specific motive. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Halton’s District Criminal Investigations Bureau. No arrests have been made to date.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Film.Ca Cinemas????Oakville (@filmcacinemas)

Initially, Film.ca Cinemas had vowed to continue screening South Asian films despite the threats. CEO Jeff Knoll had posted a video stating, “We are going to play what we want to play, when we want to play it.” However, on October 3, the theatre announced it had removed two films, 'Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1' and 'They Call Him OG', from its schedule, citing safety concerns.

“Evidence seems to show that the exhibition of South Asian films has led to these incidents at our theatre and others across the Greater Toronto Area,” the theatre authorities stated. “While we do not wish to give in to threats, the situation has escalated. We must prioritise the safety of our guests and staff.”

As of Thursday, Film.ca’s website no longer lists any South Asian movies in its lineup.

Following the Oakville incidents, York Cinemas, another Greater Toronto Area theatre, also suspended all Indian film screenings. “Due to recent incidents, we will not be screening Indian movies until further notice. This decision has been made with the safety of our employees and guests in mind,” the theatre said. Refunds are being issued for advance ticket purchases. The police have urged the public to provide any relevant information to aid the probe.

⚠️ Attention! An Important Update from York Cinemas Management.#YorkCinemas #Update #Important pic.twitter.com/LGLSIKGdif

— York Cinemas (@yorkcinemas) October 2, 2025

Kapil Sharma took to Instagram to share his appreciation, posting a collaborative video with Ginni that captured members of the Surrey Police Service enjoying a meal at the café. “Thank you Mayor Brenda Locke, @surreypoliceservice and all the officials who visited @thekapscafe_ to show their love and support. United we stand against violence. We’re truly grateful,” Kapil wrote in his post, tagging it with hashtags like #peaceoverviolence, #love, and #beautifulbritishcolumbia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kap’s Cafe (@thekapscafe_)

The official Instagram page of Kap’s Cafe also posted photos from the visit, stating, “We are truly honoured to have @themayorofsurrey, members of @surreypoliceservice, and other respected officials visit @thekapscafe_. Your support and presence mean a lot to us and to the community we serve.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma)

This marks Kapil Sharma’s first public statement since the shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of July 10. According to the Surrey Police Service, several gunshots were fired outside the restaurant at around 1.50 am local time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite some staff being present inside. Reports indicated at least 10 bullet holes were visible on one of the windows, while another pane was completely shattered.

At the time, the staff described the attack as “heartbreaking” and thanked the community for its overwhelming support and messages. The cafe also expressed sincere gratitude to the local police for their swift response and ongoing assistance.

In a statement shared on social platform X, Carney said, “While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world’s second-largest free trade agreement by trade volume.”

Despite the tariff hike, Carney pointed out that average duties on Canadian exports remain relatively low thanks to the trilateral pact. However, he acknowledged that key sectors, including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles, will feel the impact of the new tariffs.

“To protect Canadian jobs and our industrial base, our government will take action, whether by investing in competitiveness, promoting 'Buy Canadian' initiatives, or expanding into new export markets,” he added.

US accuses Canada of 'inaction and retaliation'

The White House stated that the tariff increase was prompted by what it called Canada’s “continued inaction and retaliation” in recent trade matters. The new measure also includes a 40% transshipment levy on goods routed through third countries in an attempt to bypass the tariff.

President Trump claimed that Prime Minister Carney attempted to reach out before the August 1 deadline, but insisted that no communication took place between the two leaders.

With the arrival of spring, many have returned to outdoor tasks, including yard work, cleaning eaves, washing windows, pruning trees and more. But when working outside, it's important to watch out for overhead powerlines –an accidental contact could lead to severe injury, or even death.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is responsible for keeping Ontarians safe from electrical harm and it promotes awareness, education and training of potential electrical safety risks. For Powerline Safety Week, which runs from May 12 to 18, ESA is reminding the public of the precautions needed when working around powerlines.

 There are simple steps to reduce the risk of a powerline contact to keep you and your family safe:

1. Before starting any yard work or outdoor project, locate all nearby powerlines. Despite the serious threat powerlines pose, 27 per cent of Ontarians say they rarely or never look for overhead powerlines before starting outdoor chores. For underground powerlines, contact Ontario One Call. They will locate all utility-owned underground infrastructure in your yard. You may also require a “private locate” for underground infrastructure that is not utility-owned. 

2. Always keep yourself and your tools at least three metres away—that's the length of a 10-step ladder. You do not have to touch a powerline to get a shock. Electricity can jump or “arc ”to you or your tools if you get too close.

3. When cleaning eaves, pruning trees or any other activity that involves ladders or long tools, always carry them horizontally to avoid getting too close to any overhead powerlines.

4. When planting new trees, make sure they are planted far enough away from the powerlines so even when they are full grown, they will not come too close. Plan ahead by choosing the right location to make sure what you plant doesnot grow to be within three metres of overhead powerlines, even at its tallest height. 

 5. Powerful storms and strong winds can lead to downed powerlines in your neighbourhood. If you see a downed powerline, always assume it is live and stay 10 metres back – about the length of a school bus. If there’s a downed powerline on your property, call 911 and report it to your local utility.

While spring is the perfect time to check outdoor chores off your list, no outdoor job is worth dying for. 

To find more information to stay safe near powerlines, visit ESAsafe.com/StopLookLive. 

The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector led the downturn, experiencing a significant 2.5% decrease. Service-producing industries also saw a modest dip of 0.1%, with construction falling by 0.5% — its first decline in four months — and real estate, rental, and leasing down 0.4%.

In total, 12 out of 20 industrial sectors saw a drop in activity, highlighting the breadth of the slowdown. However, there were pockets of resilience. The manufacturing sector grew by 0.6%, and the finance and insurance sector rose for the third consecutive month, posting a 0.7% gain, offering some offset to the overall economic slide.

Statistics Canada pointed to severe winter weather across central and eastern Canada and British Columbia as a key contributor to the downturn, particularly impacting transportation and warehousing, which saw a 1.1% decline.

Preliminary estimates from the agency suggest a slight rebound in March, with real GDP expected to grow by 0.1%. Based on this flash estimate, the annualized GDP growth rate for the first quarter of 2025 stands at 1.5%.

Douglas Porter, chief economist at BMO Financial Group, emphasised that weather, not economic fundamentals, was to blame for February’s drop. “The rebound in March reinforces the point that much of February's drop was weather-related and not really a sign that the economy was buckling due to trade uncertainty,” Porter noted. However, he cautioned that the second quarter of the year may reveal more concrete effects of the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., and any positive growth in that period would come as a surprise.

Source: CBC News

This election saw 65 Punjabi candidates in the fray, and for the first time, 22 emerged victorious, surpassing the 18 winners in 2021 and 20 in 2019. Of the 16 incumbent MPs of Punjabi origin who contested again, several faced direct contests against fellow Punjabis, especially in key ridings like Brampton, which witnessed major political shifts.

Brampton results: A mixed bag for Liberals and Conservatives

Brampton North: Liberal Ruby Sahota defeated Conservative Amandeep Judge

Brampton East: Liberal Maninder Sidhu triumphed over Conservative Bob Dosanjh

Brampton Centre: Liberal Amandeep Sohi beat Conservative Taran Chahal

Brampton South: Conservative Sukhdeep Kang defeated Liberal Sonia Sidhu

Brampton West: Conservative Amarjeet Gill unseated Liberal incumbent and federal minister Kamal Khera

Prominent Punjabi-Origin Liberal Winners

Anita Anand – Oakville East

Bardish Chagger – Waterloo

Anju Dhillon – Dorval—Lachine

Sukh Dhaliwal – Surrey Newton

Iqwinder Singh Gaheer – Mississauga—Malton

Randeep Sarai – Surrey Centre

Gurbax Saini – Fleetwood—Port Kells

Param Bains – Richmond East—Steveston

Conservative Party's Rising Punjabi Voices

Jasraj Hallan – Calgary East

Dalwinder Gill – Calgary McKnight

Amanpreet Gill – Calgary Skyview

Arpan Khanna – Oxford

Tim Uppal – Edmonton Gateway

Parm Gill – Milton East

Sukhman Gill – Abbotsford South—Langley

Jagsharan Singh Mahal – Edmonton Southeast

Harb Gill – Windsor West

Jagmeet Singh and NDP face devastating blow

Jagmeet Singh, the New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, suffered a major setback as he lost his seat in Burnaby Central, British Columbia. Singh placed third, securing less than 19% of the vote, trailing behind Liberal Wade Chang and Conservative James Yan.

The NDP, under Singh's leadership, is poised to lose official party status in the House of Commons after falling to just seven seats, down by 18 from the 2021 election, and dropping 12 percentage points in voter support, now at a mere 6%.

Mark Carney's dramatic rise and Liberal revival

Initially trailing by over 20 points in January polls amid public dissatisfaction with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Liberal Party turned the tide after Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6. His departure, coupled with Carney's reputation as a steady economic leader, helped transform the party’s fortunes.

Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008-09 global financial crisis and ex-head of the Bank of England during Brexit, projected a message of economic competence. He distanced himself from Trudeau during the campaign, helping to reposition the Liberals as a fresh and pragmatic choice for voters amid global economic uncertainty and anti-Trump sentiment.

Though the Liberal Party fell just short of a parliamentary majority, the result is widely viewed as a political triumph and one of the most dramatic comebacks in Canadian political history. With control of Parliament in hand, Carney now faces the task of forging coalitions with smaller parties to govern effectively.

The sentencing was delivered by Justice Terence Schultes in New Westminster on Tuesday. In a prepared statement, Fox expressed remorse, saying, “I know nothing I say will bring him back. I’m sorry for the role I played in this crime.” However, he did not disclose details about who hired him for the hit. His alleged accomplice, Jose Lopez, awaits sentencing.

According to the prosecution, Fox and Lopez ambushed Ripudaman Singh Malik on July 14, 2022, shooting him multiple times while he sat inside his vehicle in the parking lot of his business in Surrey, British Columbia. Prosecutors described the killing as “a planned and deliberate execution” carried out for financial compensation.

During the court proceedings, Malik’s daughter-in-law, Sundeep Kaur Dhaliwal, pleaded with Fox to reveal the names of those who orchestrated the assassination, emphasising that it was “the right thing to do.”

Ripudaman Singh Malik gained international attention as one of the accused in the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing, an act of terrorism by pro-Khalistani extremists that resulted in 329 deaths—the worst terror attack in Canada’s history. He was acquitted in 2005 due to a lack of evidence, along with co-accused Ajaib Singh Bagri. Only Inderjit Singh Reyat, the bombmaker, was convicted and served a reduced sentence, being released in 2016.

In early 2022, Malik publicly disassociated himself from the Khalistan movement and penned a letter appreciating Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His political shift allegedly put him at odds with pro-Khalistani groups, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader who was assassinated in the same town on June 18, 2023.

Malik had also been removed from India’s blacklist and was permitted to visit the country in 2022, a move that fueled speculation about his evolving political stance. His murder, just months later, raised suspicions about whether internal Khalistani conflicts or larger geopolitical tensions played a role in his assassination.

The separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has accused India of orchestrating Malik’s killing, as well as Nijjar’s assassination a year later. These allegations align with claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials, who have suggested Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder.

While no official link has been established between India and Malik’s assassination, the case continues to stir tensions between India and Canada. With Fox sentenced and Lopez yet to face his verdict, the identity of those who ordered Malik’s murder remains a mystery. 

Justin Trudeau’s remarks came a day after Trump reiterated plans for significant tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing their alleged failure to curb illegal immigration and the influx of narcotics into the United States. Addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Donald Trump said, "We’re considering a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada because they allow large numbers of people — and Canada is a significant offender — to bring in fentanyl and other substances."

In response, Trudeau highlighted Canada’s proactive measures, including a $1 billion border management initiative aimed at addressing these concerns. Speaking at a press conference, he stated, “If the President decides to proceed with tariffs, Canada will respond decisively. Every option is on the table. We are prepared for all scenarios.”

Trudeau acknowledged the challenges posed by the situation, emphasizing Canada’s integral role in the US economy. "Canada provides essential resources like steel, aluminum, critical minerals, and reliable energy that the American economy requires to grow and thrive," he said.

He further addressed Trump’s goal of fostering a "golden age" for the United States, asserting that Canada remains a "safe, secure, and dependable partner in a volatile global environment."

Trump had previously vowed to implement tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports if these nations did not take stronger measures against illegal immigration and the trafficking of fentanyl into the US.

According to CBC News, reports circulated on Thursday in Indian media suggesting that the accused were released after charges against them were dropped. However, CBC quoted BC Prosecution Service spokesperson Anne Seymour, who clarified that the accused remain in custody and that the reports of their bail are baseless. The next court proceedings, a pretrial conference, are scheduled for February 11, followed by another appearance on February 12.

Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Two unidentified assailants on motorcycles attacked Nijjar while he was in his car in the gurdwara’s parking lot, leaving him no time to escape.

The Canadian authorities arrested four Punjabi youths in connection with the murder. The case escalated tensions between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the Nijjar killing case. This accusation strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Notably, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was listed as a "most wanted" terrorist by the Indian authorities, accused of involvement in multiple violent incidents in India, including the attack on Hindu priest Kamaldeep Sharma in Jalandhar in 2021. The NIA had issued a lookout notice and a red corner notice against Nijjar in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and declared Rs 10 lakh reward for information on him.

The directive, communicated through emails, has created a frenzy among students, many of whom hold valid visas for up to two years. This development follows IRCC's recent decision to terminate the fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, aimed at regulating the influx of international students. Additionally, the country has introduced stricter criteria for applying for financial aid.

Reports from the Times of India indicate that similar instances occurred last week, with several students from Punjab being summoned to IRCC offices for credential verification. These measures have left students uncertain and apprehensive about their status in Canada.

The Indian High Commission has noted that India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with approximately 4,27,000 Indian students currently enrolled.

In the wake of these developments, students have urged the IRCC to provide clear communication and alleviate their concerns. Meanwhile, they have been advised to comply with the authorities' instructions to avoid complications.

This comes amid broader changes to Canada’s immigration strategy. On October 24, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a reduction in the target for permanent residents, with Canada set to admit 3,95,000 new residents in 2025, a decrease from the 4,85,000 expected in 2024.

The court issued an injunction for Laxmi Narayan Mandir, prohibiting protesters from meeting within 100 metres of the temple.

The Mandir Society thanked the court for allowing the Indian consulate camp to be held on their grounds on November 30.

"Consulate organised the last Consular Camp of the season at Laxminarayan Mandir, Scarborough. Close to 250 life certificates were issued to the elderly. Though there are no more scheduled camps in this season, Certificates will continue to be issued at the Consulate during working hours," the Indian Consulate in Toronto stated

"The Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario has issued an interlocutory injunction prohibiting all protest activities, including physically preventing, or interfering with access to within 100-meter distance to the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Scarborough from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2024. This order aims to ensure the safety and sanctity of the temple premises and individuals during the specified hours," the society said.

The development occurred a week after the Consulate cancelled consular camps across Canada when local authorities stated their inability to offer even the "minimum security against heightened threats".

On November 2, a Khalistani mob stormed the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, attacking devotees. The temple was organising the consular camp, while Peel Police in Ontario province neglected to protect and intervene against the Khalistani attacks.

Following the attacks on the Indian-Canadian community in Brampton, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that consular services have been hampered due to security concerns, but expressed hope that the camps will continue in other cities.

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the costs will be increased across the following categories:

• Restoration of temporary resident status (for visitors, students, and workers)
• Authorisation to return to Canada
• Criminal rehabilitation (even for serious criminality)
• Temporary residence permit

Earlier this month, Canada changed its tourist visa policy, ending its usual practice of providing 10-year multiple-entry visas. The revised guidelines give immigration officials more discretion in selecting the kind and duration of visas, which might affect frequent visitors who may no longer be guaranteed long-term entry.

Meanwhile, IRCC has made major changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which will take effect on November 1, 2024. These new standards will include updated language requirements, proof of language proficiency, and particular field of study conditions for applicants.

Candidates seeking the PGWP must now present evidence of their language skills, according to the revised guidelines. English proficiency will be measured using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and French proficiency will be measured using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). 

Applicants can submit results from recognised language examinations, such as the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), IELTS, or PTE Core for English. For French, the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF Canada) and Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) will be acceptable. 

Arsh Dalla, a key figure in the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was arrested in Canada following a shootout in which he sustained a gunshot wound to his hand. His accomplice, Gurjant Singh, was also injured in the incident. The police in Canada have framed 11 charges against Arsh Dalla in relation to this event.

The shootout is believed to be linked to the ongoing violence and criminal activities associated with the Khalistani movement. Arsh Dalla was involved in leading several operations for the KTF, an extremist group that has been active in both India and Canada.

In India, Dalla has more than 70 FIRs filed against him, including charges related to murder, extortion, and terrorism. The Indian government had declared him a terrorist in 2022. He has also been implicated in several high-profile criminal cases involving violent acts, including the murder of those connected to the Khalistani movement, and has been linked to organised drug and arms trafficking.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India has confirmed Dalla’s involvement in a range of terrorist activities, including extortion for funding terror operations, attempting murder, and inciting communal violence. Besides, Dalla is known to have close ties with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Canada earlier this year. Following Nijjar's death, Dalla took over the operations of the KTF.

The Canadian authorities have been under pressure from India to extradite Dalla, but diplomatic tensions between the two countries have hindered the exchange of information, complicating the legal proceedings. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for February 24, 2025.

Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper, citing unnamed Canadian officials, reported that PM Modi was aware of the plot to kill Nijjar. The report alleged that the Indian national security advisor and the external affairs minister were also involved in the plot.

In response, Jaiswal stated, "Such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties."

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was killed in Vancouver in June last year, sparking a diplomatic crisis after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused "agents" from Delhi of involvement. He said "credible information" was shared with intelligence partners, including the United States.

Last month, Canada accused Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats of the murder. The Canadian government stated that the Indian diplomats had been expelled from the country. In a tit-for-tat move, New Delhi deported Canadian Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.

In early September, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that a new rule limiting international students' work hours to 24 hours per week would go into effect later this autumn.

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has announced that the change is now officially in force as part of new regulations aimed at strengthening the program's integrity.

This expanded work-hour limit is expected to provide students with additional financial freedom while allowing them to focus on their academics during lengthy holidays. This also handles possible labour shortages.

However, Canada implemented stricter rules for switching educational institutions. International students must now apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before making such modifications.

Canada has halted the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which has accelerated study visa processing for Indian students for the last six years.

While this adjustment is part of a larger effort to match temporary residency with Canada's long-term economic objectives, it has significant implications for Indian students. Applications received under the SDS programme before the November 8, 2024, 2 p.m. ET deadline will still receive speedier processing. However, new applicants must now go via the usual study permit process, which typically takes longer to complete.

Indian students, who account for a sizable share of Canada's international student population, must now navigate these developments with caution.

The expanded work hours are a comfort, but the cessation of the SDS program may cause delays in the permit application.

According to sources in Indian security officials, Dalla was arrested following his suspected involvement in an armed encounter in Milton on October 27 or 28.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, Arsh Dalla is wanted in India for a number of criminal activities and is living in Canada with his wife. Canadian law enforcement agencies, primarily the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), are looking into the recent shootout.

Indian authorities are actively monitoring developments and coordinating with Canadian officials for more information.

Dalla was the acting chief of the Khalistani Tiger Force, and he was seen as Hardeep Singh Nijjar's successor.