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Indian-Origin Couple, Daughter Killed in ‘Suspicious Fire’ in Ontario

An India-origin couple and their 16-year-old daughter have died in a “suspicious” fire at their home in Canada’s Ontario province.

The incident happened on March 7, however, the police said that they identified the victims on Friday, whose remains were discovered at the site, reported CTV News.

The victims have been identified as Rajiv Warikoo, 51, Shilpa Kotha, 47, and Mahek Warikoo, 16.

“All three of the deceased persons resided at the address prior to the fire,” Peel Police said in a press release.

On March 7, at 1:30 pm, police were called to the area of Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive in Brampton at a residential home that was fully engulfed in flames.

In the video captured on a neighbour’s doorbell camera, large flames shoot out of the roof, and black smoke billows into the sky as a fire truck shows up, as reported by CTV News.

“Following the initial efforts of first responders to put the fire out, the fire Marshall’s office was called in to help determine the cause of the fire. While examining the scene, investigators made an unfortunate discovery when they located what was believed to be human remains within the destroyed house,” Peel Police added.

Moreover, the detectives from the Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau have been working closely with the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Peel police Constable Taryn Young said that the fire has been deemed suspicious, as reported by CTV News.

Speaking with CP24 Friday, Peel police Constable Taryn Young said the fire had been deemed suspicious.

“At this time we are investigating this with our homicide bureau and we are deeming this as suspicious as the Ontario Fire Marshal has deemed that this fire was not accidental,” Young said.

“There’s not much left to it,” Young said when asked about the possible cause of the fire.

“Looking into something like that as a fire marshal, I’m sure it’s very tough when there is not much left to look at. But we are exhausting all avenues,” she added.

She further said that the coroner is also working to determine exactly how the three family members died, reported CTV News.

Young also acknowledged that the deadly fire has “devastated” the local community in Brampton, adding that the investigators are working “around the clock” to determine the cause.

One of the neighbours described the three people who died as “a good family” who greeted their neighbours, CTV reported.

The neighbour further said that they were seen riding bikes around the area frequently.

“That is so, so tragic. My neighbour’s daughter and their daughter were about the same age and we saw them playing all the time and it was very sad to hear that news,” neighbour Kenneth Yousaf said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India, Canada Discuss ‘Present State’ of Ties in Munich

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Trudeau-Meloni Event Cancelled Amid Pro-Palestine Protests

Neither Trudeau nor Meloni were able to enter the place as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) went into lockdown following protests….reports Asian Lite News

An event in Toronto where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was scheduled to host his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, was cancelled on Saturday due to ‘security concerns’ after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue, CBC News reported citing Trudeau’s office.

Neither Trudeau nor Meloni were able to enter the place as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) went into lockdown following protests.

The protestors criticized the Canadian government’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and alleged that “Trudeau was funding a genocide in Gaza.”

“Due to security concerns, the event was cancelled,” a spokesperson for the PMO said.

Police said that there were 200-300 protesters outside the gallery, but noted it was difficult to estimate the total size of the demonstration as protesters gathered outside several entrances.

Would-be attendees gathered outside were confronted by demonstrators, with their entry paths blocked. Some were later escorted to the building’s entrance by police.

International Development Minister, Ahmed Hussein tried to enter through the main entrance, but protesters blocked his path and followed him for two blocks as he tried to enter a more secure location while flanked by police, according to CBC News.

“You are complicit in the genocide. Your hands are red. You are complicit in the murder of my family members and my friends,” one demonstrator chanted at him.

Italian PM Meloni, was in Toronto to hold meetings with Trudeau. The two G7 leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including the crisis in the Middle East.

Hamas carried out a terror attack on Israel on October 7 killing over 1200 people and taking around 250 people as hostages.

Following this, Israel launched a massive counter-offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But, the military operation has so far claimed more than 30,000 lives, according to Gaza health officials.

Canada considers Hamas a ‘terrorist group’ and has repeatedly said that “Israel has the right to defend itself”. Lately, Ottawa called for a ceasefire in the conflict due to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, CBC News reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Canada Targets Russian diamonds

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Canada Targets Russian diamonds

This ban further builds on Canada’s December 2023 import restrictions on diamonds and diamond-jewellery-related products from Russia…reports Asian Lite News

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly has said that Canada is imposing additional import restrictions on Russian diamonds.

This ban further builds on Canada’s December 2023 import restrictions on diamonds and diamond-jewellery-related products from Russia by targeting indirect imports of Russian diamonds weighing 1 carat and above, Joly said on Friday in a statement.

It is consistent with the commitments made in February, May and December 2023 by the G7 leaders to reduce the revenues from the export of non-industrial diamonds from Russia, she added as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

According to the statement, Russia is the world’s largest rough diamond producer and also a significant global exporter of diamonds and diamond products.

The value of Russia’s total exports exceeded nearly 5.2 billion Canadian dollars ($3.8 billion) in 2022.

Together, G7 countries represent 70 per cent of the world diamond market, the statement added.

ALSO READ: Canada Chips in $130M for Ukraine

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Canada Chips in $130M for Ukraine

This was announced by the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following his visit to Kiev….reports Asian Lite News

Canada will provide Ukraine with 169 million Canadian dollars (CAD) (about $130 million) for several reconstruction and development programmes, media reported on Sunday.

According to Ukrinform news agency reported, this was announced by the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following his visit to Kiev.

Canada will allocate CAD 75 million (equivalent to more than $57 million) for peace and security assistance, which includes demining, cyber support and intelligence assistance, Ukrinform news agency reported.

Another CAD 15 million (equivalent to $11.5 million) will be allocated to support the completion of the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in Kiev.

Canada also announced the allocation of funding to the following: $17 million for humanitarian assistance, $30 million for development assistance, almost $14 million for stabilisation assistance, including chemical weapons reduction and countering information warfare, and $15 million for various stabilisation efforts, to support projects ranging from demining, to reducing threats from nuclear or radiological materials and chemical weapons, to countering disinformation, Ukrinform news agency reported

As reported by Ukrinform news agency, during his visit to Kiev on February 24, Trudeau signed a security agreement with Ukraine, pledging more than $3 billion in security and financial assistance this year.

ALSO READ: India, Canada Discuss ‘Present State’ of Ties in Munich

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Indian Diaspora Bolsters New Delhi-Ottawa Ties: Jitendra Singh

The minister highlighted that the diaspora serves as a link between the two nations, particularly emphasizing Canada’s popularity as a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education….reports Asian Lite News

Twenty-three lakh Indian diaspora are reinforcing New Delhi-Ottawa relations and contributing to the development of both nations, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said as he met a high-level delegation on Wednesday.

Singh told Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan province who was leading the delegation, that the presence of the Indian diaspora in the Canadian Parliament and the cabinet is a testimony of longstanding relations between the two countries.

Acknowledging the positive contributions made by the Indian community, the minister said they act as a bridge between the two nations as Canada is one of the most favoured destinations for Indian students for higher education.

Singh also mentioned PM Narendra Modi’s invitation to India’s diaspora to do research in India’s premier institutions and contribute to its progress under the VAIBHAV fellowship programme.

Cooperation and collaboration in areas like Electric Vehicles, Cyber Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel, Deep Ocean Mining etc were also discussed, a Ministry of Science & technology release stated.

He told the delegation that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India established the ‘Anusandhan’ National Research Foundation.

The foundation prioritises research in areas of technology and science to foster and revitalise the innovation ecosystem with around 60-70 per cent participation of the private sector.

He also emphasised that the government is keen on opening arms to welcome non-governmental organisations to contribute to technology development and support them.

The meeting comes as India is keen to develop research collaborations with Canadian R&D institutions and technology collaborations with Canadian industries.

Speaking of Canada and India relations, Moe said it has made great strides in recent years and has become truly multidimensional, spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill, and exchanges.

He said the relationship has grown between India and Saskatchewan, especially after opening their office in Delhi, and strengthens their resolve to work with India and achieve collective growth.

After arriving in New Delhi on Tuesday, Moe met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who praised the Indians in Canada for serving as a bridge between the two nations.

“Appreciate @PremierScottMoe’s strong support for our partnership and looking forward to deepening our cooperation,” Jaishankar said as he also shared a picture of the two leaders shaking hands.

“An important supplier of potash, lentils, and uranium. Saskatchewan’s Indian-origin community has truly been a bridge between us,” he added.

Saskatchewan is home to 15,660 Indians, according to the 2021 census, and from 2016 to 2021, immigrants from India made up 18.4 per cent of total immigrants moving into the province.

The province’s exports to India stand at more than $1 billion and roughly make up a third of Canada’s total exports to the country. In addition, the province also has a trade and investment office in New Delhi.

ALSO READ: India, Canada Discuss ‘Present State’ of Ties in Munich

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India, Canada Discuss ‘Present State’ of Ties in Munich

Recently, Canada named India as a “foreign threat” that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in Nijjar’s killing.

 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday and discussed bilateral ties.

The discussions came amid an ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations with Canada accusing India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last year and the latter denying the charge as “absurd” and “motivated”.

“Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

Recently, Canada named India as a “foreign threat” that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in Nijjar’s killing.

India categorically denied the allegation and asserted that the “core issue” with Canada is the space it gives to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil.

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister met his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and held a “wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead”.

The two leaders also reviewed preparations for the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations meeting.

He also met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the conference to discuss maritime security in the Red Sea.

“Secretary Blinken highlighted that the respective US and Indian approaches to maritime security in the Red Sea are mutually reinforcing and play important roles in safeguarding economic stability in the region,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement released on Friday.

Miller added that the two leaders also discussed ongoing work to ensure lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

The 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC), which began on Friday, is currently underway at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich.

This year’s conference is being held under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen.

ALSO READ: Jaishankar Delves into Diplomacy at Munich

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Immigrants increasingly leaving Canada for “greener pastures”

The study revealed that approximately 17.5 per cent of immigrants who arrived during this period eventually opted to emigrate within 20 years…reports Asian Lite News

As per the recent study conducted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada, immigrants are increasingly departing from Canada in pursuit of “greener pastures,” sparking concerns in the Great White North, Khalsa Vox reported.

According to the study’s findings, the research has sparked concerns with its findings. The study revealed that approximately 17.5 per cent of immigrants who arrived during this period eventually opted to emigrate within 20 years, Khalsa Vox reported. The statistics call it “vital” to recognise that emigration rates have been steadily increasing since the 1980s.

According to the study, certain rise in outward migration exceeds the historical average by 31 per cent. These statistics have gathered the attention of people. Although 17.5 per cent might demonstrate a notable percentage of immigrants leaving.

The statistics also showcase that a significant majority opt to stay in Canada. The reasons responsible for emigration are multifaceted and unique to circumstances related to a person, according to the Khalsa Vox report.

The main factors that contribute to the decision include challenges with integration, employment opportunities, and affordability. Increasing crimes and gang wars have also played a significant part in causing fear in the minds of local residents and adding another layer to the complex issue of immigration and emigration in Canada.

The study has not mentioned the destinations of these emigrants, making it difficult to assess whether they are truly leaving for “better” situations in other places, Khalsa Vox reported.

The findings of the study call for contemplation of Canada’s approach to immigration. The study raises important questions about integration support, employment opportunities, and policies that might influence people to not leave Canada.

As per the news report, further research is needed to understand the specific motivations responsible for emigration. The research should have the goal of finding areas where Canada’s immigration system can be improved to better address the needs and aspirations of immigrants. (ANI)

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Another Sikh separatist’s house hit by gunfire in Canada

While no injuries were reported, the Peel Regional police could not rule out that more shots were fired at the house….reports Asian Lite News

The house of a Sikh separatist, associated with pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who is a designated terrorist in India, has been hit by gunfire in Canada’s Ontario province, a media report said.

The incident comes just days after multiple shots were fired at the Surrey home of Simranjeet Singh — a “friend” of banned Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia last year.

According to The Guardian, a bullet hole was found in the window of an unfinished house, belonging to Khalistan supporter Inderjit Singh Gosal, in Brampton on Monday.

While no injuries were reported, the Peel Regional police could not rule out that more shots were fired at the house.

But they confirmed that a single bullet hole had been found with Constable Tyler Bell-Morena of Peel Regional Police saying it is “too early” to link the shooting to Gosal’s role in the Khalistan movement.

Gosal recently announced that a pro-Khalistan rally would be held outside the Indian consulate in Toronto on February 17.

According to the report, Gosal works closely with Pannun, who is the chief legal counsel of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice and was the target of a foiled assassination bid in the US.

The shooting incidents come just as India and Canada accused each other of interfering in their “internal affairs”.

Recently, Canada named India as a “foreign threat” that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in the killing Nijjar on Canadian soil in June last year.

India categorically denied the allegation levelled by Canadian agencies of “interference” as “absurd” and “motivated”.

Further, India said that it is Canada that has been interfering in India’s internal affairs. India has time and again asserted that the “core issue” with Canada is the space it gives to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil.

“It is not the government of India’s policy to interfere in democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite on the reverse, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

ALSO READ: Gunfire Strikes Home of Pro-Khalistan Activist in Canada’s Ontario

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Canadian charities struggle amid foreign students’ challenges

This comes even as the government has set out to cap new study permits for international students and cancelling work permits for their spouses….reports Asian Lite News

With international students struggling amidst worsening housing and affordability issues in Canada, charities and support groups say they are under strain and have urged the government to step up support.

With nearly 500,000 international students living in the Greater Toronto Area, Khalsa Aid’s national director Jindi Singh says charities are taking on more than their fair share of the load, Ottawa-based CBC news channel reported.

“We truly feel it’s not really our role,” Singh told the news outlet.

The Canadian branch of Khalsa Aid, helping over 8000 students struggling to access food, clothes, and shelter in cities across the country, says the government and post-secondary institutions should be doing more to support international students in need.

Jind said that the organisation has been presently receiving five calls a day from international students needing food, clothing, and shelter, especially from Brampton in Ontario province where he said that the situation is “acute”.

Since last June, Khalsa Aid has delivered over 5,000 grocery bags full of non-perishable food to students in this city, which attracts tens of thousands of international students annually.

The president of the College Student Alliance, Azi Afousi, told CBC that student unions across Ontario have reported fielding more calls about housing struggles, adding that one of her colleagues shares a house with 15 other people.

International students contribute about CA$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually to the Canadian economy and pay four times more tuition than domestic students.

According to a September 2023 report by consulting firm Higher Education Strategy Associates, students from India alone contributed $2 billion to Ontario’s post-secondary institutions’ operating income last year, compared to roughly $1.8 billion the provincial government contributed.

“For colleges and governments to not provide wrap-around services like housing, food, and job referrals, is a “pure money grab,” Singh told CBC.

This comes even as the government has set out to cap new study permits for international students and cancelling work permits for their spouses.

However, Deepa Mattoo of Sukhmani Haven says that the cap doesn’t do anything to help the students who are already in Canada and are struggling.

While they welcomed the study permit cap, both Mattoo and Singh urged the government to put in place more support for international students who are already there in the country.

The number of international students in Canada crossed one million mark, with Indians leading the pack, accounting for 215,190 out of the 579,075 permits issued till November 2023.

In addition to the two-year study permit cap, the Canadian government also announced that it will more than double the cost-of-living financial requirement for incoming international students on January 1, 2024.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said a single applicant will need to show they have 20,635 Canadian dollars ($15,181) in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs.

Earlier, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has blamed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for making a ‘mess’ of the country’s immigration system.

He said that immigrants, international students, and temporary foreign workers are not to be blamed for Trudeau’s “incompetence”.

ALSO READ: Stoltenberg Warns Trump’s NATO Critique Endangers Global Security

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Gunfire Strikes Home of Pro-Khalistan Activist in Canada’s Ontario

According to The Guardian, a bullet hole was found in the window of an unfinished house, belonging to Khalistan supporter Inderjit Singh Gosal, in Brampton on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

The house of a Sikh separatist, associated with pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who is a designated terrorist in India, has been hit by gunfire in Canada’s Ontario province, a media report said.

The incident comes just days after multiple shots were fired at the Surrey home of Simranjeet Singh — a “friend” of banned Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia last year.

According to The Guardian, a bullet hole was found in the window of an unfinished house, belonging to Khalistan supporter Inderjit Singh Gosal, in Brampton on Monday.

While no injuries were reported, the Peel Regional police could not rule out that more shots were fired at the house.

But they confirmed that a single bullet hole had been found with Constable Tyler Bell-Morena of Peel Regional Police saying it is “too early” to link the shooting to Gosal’s role in the Khalistan movement.

Gosal recently announced that a pro-Khalistan rally would be held outside the Indian consulate in Toronto on February 17.

According to the report, Gosal works closely with Pannun, who is the chief legal counsel of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice and was the target of a foiled assassination bid in the US.

The shooting incidents come just as India and Canada accused each other of interfering in their “internal affairs”.

Recently, Canada named India as a “foreign threat” that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in the killing Nijjar on Canadian soil in June last year.

India categorically denied the allegation levelled by Canadian agencies of “interference” as “absurd” and “motivated”.

Further, India said that it is Canada that has been interfering in India’s internal affairs. India has time and again asserted that the “core issue” with Canada is the space it gives to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil.

“It is not the government of India’s policy to interfere in democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite on the reverse, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

ALSO READ-US Withholds Discovery Material from Nikhil Gupta in Pannun Case