In recent times, Canada has been starkly reminded of the pervasive threat of foreign interference and transnational repression (TNR), a menace that undermines the sovereignty and safety of its citizens. While the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has been drummed up Justin Trudeau and the pro-Khalistan elements publicly to point fingers at India, his death seemed more of a gang war, nothing more. However, it is crucial to pivot our attention towards another formidable source of Canadian TNR – China. The revelation from Canada’s domestic spy agency regarding China’s interference in the last two elections underscores the gravity of suspected meddling in Canadian politics. The disclosure, made during an official probe, provides the most concrete evidence yet of China’s involvement in shaping electoral outcomes. A slide presented during the commission hearing contained excerpts from a February 2023 briefing by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), stating unequivocally, “We know that the PRC (Peoples’ Republic of China) clandestinely and deceptively interfered in both the 2019 and 2021 elections.” The briefing highlighted the pragmatic nature of these foreign interference activities, which primarily aimed to bolster candidates perceived as ‘pro-PRC’ or ‘neutral’ on matters of interest to the Chinese government. This confirmation raises significant concerns about the integrity of Canada’s democratic process and calls for robust measures to safeguard against future meddling attempts. The experiences of Canadian MP Michael Chong, who faced a coordinated disinformation campaign from China due to his criticism of the country’s treatment of Uighurs, exemplify Beijing’s audacious attempts to silence dissent abroad. This is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader strategy employed by the Chinese government to exert its influence and suppress opposition globally. The plight of the Uighur community in Canada, subjected to harassment, surveillance, and threats from Chinese operatives, underscores the extent of Beijing’s reach. Activists like Mehmet Tohti and Bakhtiar Semseddin have courageously spoken out, despite the risks to themselves and their families, about the tactics employed by the Chinese government to intimidate and silence them. Furthermore, the ordeal of Omar Abdulaziz, targeted by cyber espionage, illustrates the sophistication and intrusiveness of the tools at the disposal of authoritarian regimes like China and Saudi Arabia. The use of Pegasus Spyware in Abdulaziz’s case is a chilling reminder of the lengths to which these governments will go to clamp down on dissent, even beyond their borders. The Canadian government’s response to these threats has been lackluster at best. While there are ongoing inquiries and discussions about strengthening laws to combat foreign interference, the victims of TNR often feel abandoned, lacking adequate support from law enforcement and intelligence services. The case of Yuekang Li, denied a study permit due to fears of espionage, signals a growing awareness but also hints at the complexity and challenge of addressing this issue. Canada’s large and diverse diaspora communities make it a prime target for foreign interference and TNR. The state must recognize the gravity of this threat and take decisive action to protect its residents. This involves not only enhancing legal frameworks and law enforcement capabilities but also providing support and resources to those targeted by such campaigns. The creation of a standalone definition of transnational repression, as advocated by former minister of justice Irwin Cotler, could be a significant step forward. It would clarify the nature of the threat and enable more effective responses. Moreover, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and other agencies need the authority and means to engage more proactively with communities at risk, offering guidance and support. In light of these pressing issues, it is imperative for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the current Canadian administration to adopt a firmer stance against China’s transnational repression tactics. Instead of appeasing Beijing, Canada must take a stand and speak out against the injustices and infringements on freedom perpetrated by the Chinese government. While addressing concerns related to any nation, including the allegations against India, it is crucial that the Canadian government maintains a balanced and principled approach. Pandering to any group, including Khalistani extremists, should not overshadow the broader imperative to challenge and counter the real and present threats emanating from China. The safety and democratic values of Canada and its residents necessitate a clear, strong, and consistent voice against all forms of foreign interference and repression, without any bias or preferential treatment. Source: khalsa Vox

Australia has been warned it must ‘urgently’ investigate its next moves after the US made a major move towards banning TikTok. A TikTok ban is “highly likely” to pass the United States congress before the year is done, sparking “critical” warnings Australia not be left behind. The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday voted unanimously 50-0 to advance a Bill, that, if passed, would prohibit TikTok from US app stores unless the platform is divested from its Chinese parent company ByteDance within 165 days. It’s the most significant and aggressive legislative progress on TikTok to date, and should it pass, would impact the app’s 170 million US users. It could have implications on how Australia deals with the popular social media app moving forward. The Coalition’s cybersecurity spokesman, James Paterson, has long fought for Australia to take action on the app, over concerns about foreign interference and censorship. He said the onus was now on Australia to “urgently” investigate its next moves. Although the app is not based in China itself, its parent company ByteDance is part-owned by a Chinese company that is beholden to Chinese security laws. Of specific concern is the requirement that data must be shared with the Chinese government if it is requested. So concerned was the Albanese government that it banned the app on all government devices last year. Senator Paterson said the Albanese government needed to go further, and must be proactive in the wake of the news out of the US. “It is absolutely critical that Australia is not left behind – but that is a major risk unless we also act,” he said. “The Albanese government must urgently investigate options to ensure TikTok Australia can also be protected from Chinese government influence. Otherwise we are allowing an authoritarian government to control the major source of news and information about the world for young Australians. “Given what we have learned about TikTok’s manipulation of content and abuse of data, the government must act to protect Australians from this serious national security threat.” TikTok has repeatedly maintained that ByteDance is 60 per cent owned by international investors and not influenced by the Chinese government. TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew was grilled by US politicians last March, where he stated “unequivocally” that neither the app or the parent company were “an agent of China or any other country”. A spokesman for Cybersecurity Minister Clare O’Neil said the government was “monitoring progress” on the US bill. “The Albanese government has taken strong action in line with advice from our agencies to restrict access to TikTok on devices used to handle sensitive information,” they said. “We are monitoring the progress of the bill in the US and will take additional action if and when relevant agencies advise it is appropriate to do so.” A TikTok spokesperson said the US bill, if passed, would “trample the First Amendment rights of 170 million Americans”. “It would deprive five million (American) small businesses of a platform they rely on to grow and create jobs,” they said. The bill will next move to the US House of Representatives, and if it passes will then progress to the Senate. If it is voted through there, it will become law.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said they would ensure that none can burn the people to death alive in future by giving exemplary punishment to the arsonists and the masterminds behind the heinous acts. "We are taking required measures against the arsonists and their masters so that none can burn the people to death and such heinous acts," she said. The premier made the remarks while speaking at a post-election greeting and view exchange meeting with leaders and activists of Kotalipara AL and associate bodies in Kotalipara Upazila Chattar here. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's younger daughter and prime minister's younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present. Sheikh Hasina, also president of the ruling Awami League (AL), said many persons involved in the arson violence and their masters have already been brought to book while the remaining others must be netted after scrutinizing the video footages of the CCTV cameras which are now available everywhere. "None of those who have done such heinous acts will be spared. We are currently taking measures against them and will continue the legal actions against others," she said. The Prime Minister came down heavily on the BNP-Jamaat clique for their activities for what they call democracy, saying, "Their movement means burning people to death alive and torching vehicles, including buses and trains." She said they did the same thing this time in the name of movement to prevent the 12th parliamentary election what they had done in 2013, 2014 and 2015. After forming the government for the record fifth term and fourth in a row, the Prime Minister went to Gopalganj to visit her Tungipara-Kotalipara constituency to pay homage to the Father of the Nation at his mausoleum in Tungipara alongside exchanging greetings and views with party leaders and activists. She spent Saturday (Jan 13) night at her own home in Tungipara and is scheduled to reach her official Ganabhaban residence tonight. The Awami League had won the 12th parliamentary election with landslide victory getting 222 parliamentary seats out of 298.  

The symbol ties in with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's image as a former cricket star. His Tehreek-e-Insaf party believes a court ruling forcing them to lose the cricket bat will cost them during next month's vote. The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Saturday upheld a ruling stripping former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of its cricket bat symbol.  Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa announced the ruling on live television, saying the PTI had not held intraparty elections. Political parties in Pakistan must hold these elections in order to take part in the national election. In December, the Election Commission of Pakistan first announced the ban on PTI for using the symbol for the same reason. The PTI then challenged that decision in the nation's top court.    PTI on ruling: A 'sad day for democracy' "This, by far, is the worst decision impacting miillions of voters," PTI said in a statement after the ruling. PTI chairman Gohar Khan said the party's candidates will have to run as independents in the national elections.  PTI spokesman Zulfi Bukhari decried the ruling as a "sad day for democracy."  There are 241 million people in Pakistan, with many areas facing high illiteracy rates. Without the cricket bat symbol, party officials have said some Pakistanis might not be able to recognize PTI candidates on the ballot. PTI candidates will now have to choose individual symbols instead of all running under the cricket bat.  Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington DC-based Wilson Center think tank, said the Pakistani government is cracking down on PTI ahead of general elections on February 8.  "PTI leaders jailed. PTI electoral candidates' nomination papers denied. PTI online/rallies fundraisers blocked. Top PTI rival's legal woes melt away. SC justices perceived as siding with PTI step down. PTI denied use of election symbol," Kugelman wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "This is brazen, not subtle, pre-polls rigging."     Will the military decide Pakistan's next election? As of now, Pakistan is under a caretaker government ahead of the February elections.  PTI leader and former PM Imran Khan is currently behind bars and disqualified from running in next month's vote. Seventy-one-year-old Khan, who served as PM from 2018 to 2022, had a falling out with Pakistan's formidable military and accused a former army chief of trying to kill him.  Nawaz Sharif, who served as prime minister three times, is seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming vote after returning from exile. Sharif has been cleared of all legal charges against him and is believed to be backed by the Pakistani military. 

"Dad time" is essential to a child's overall development—it's not just a luxury. Good father-child interactions have a lasting effect on a child, influencing not just their early years but also their future relationships, careers, and general well-being. Fathers play an enormously important role in a child's life, helping them develop emotionally, socially, and cognitively. "Dad time" is more than just being there; it's about having meaningful conversations and doing things together that have a long-lasting effect on a child's development.   Reasons why it's important to spend time with a father: 1. ​​Improved academic achievement​ Academic achievement is favorably correlated with parental involvement in a child's schooling. Cooperative reading, helping with schoolwork, and stimulating conversations all support the development of cognition. 2. ​​Exemplary role modeling​ Fathers act as role models for their children, influencing their attitudes, actions, and morals. Fathers who spend meaningful time with their children can model moral values and important life skills for their children. 3. Connection on an emotional level​ A strong emotional tie is fostered by father-child bonding. Playing together gives the youngster a sense of safety and acceptance, which strengthens their emotional fortitude.   4. ​Increasing self-assurance​ Children can safely explore their powers in the company of their fathers. Children's confidence and self-esteem are bolstered by positive reinforcement, constructive criticism, and the sharing of accomplishments.   5. ​​Developing social skills​ Children acquire vital social skills like cooperation, communication, and dispute resolution through shared activities. Social connections between father and kid support social behavior that is in line with social norms.   6. ​​Promoting self-reliance​ Spending quality time with fathers requires striking a balance between promoting independence and offering assistance. When it comes to giving their kids a feeling of accountability and independence, fathers are extremely important. Source: Times of India  

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal today (Dec 30) vowed that the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections must be free and fair at any cost. "The elections to the next 12th Jatiya Sangsad must be fair at any cost. . . and the Election Commission (EC) is working relentlessly for this purpose," the CEC told a view-exchange-meeting with law enforcers and local administration at Shilpakala Academy here. "The election commission is firm to hold this election in a free, fair and impartial manner . . . We have already got all necessary manpower support as per the requirement from the government to ensure fair polls," Habibul Awal categorically said. He said the EC is working sincerely right now to ensure all candidates' equal opportunities in the election race. The polls process is progressing continuously with the cooperation of the government and the utmost sincerity of the officials of field administration as well, the CEC added. Earlier, the CEC exchanged views with the candidates of six constituencies of the district at Sylhet Circuit House at 10 am. Among others, Additional Divisional Commissioner Md. Jasim Uddin, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Sheikh Russel Ahmed and senior officials concerned were also present.  

"It is very unfortunate that some specific foreign countries are continuously exerting pressure on Bangladesh centring polls," Chief Ellection commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal says. 12th parliamentary polls must be free and fair for the welfare of the country's economy and future, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said today. "We want free, fair and credible polls. Unfortunately, some foreign countries are extending their claws on Bangladesh, dominating the country centering the polls." he said while inaugurating a training programme for the electoral enquiry committee at the Electoral Training Institute in the capital. "To save ourselves, the garment sector and the people, the upcoming election must be free, fair and credible. Both the general People and the foreigners want such an election," he expressed. Chief Election commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal added, "The country is in "crisis" over the election. There is doubt regarding trust. We need to come out from it. Everybody must discharge their duties very responsibly." He said that the Election Commission wanted a fair election with no controversy result. The US declared, "If anybody is responsible for undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh then they would impose visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members . This year in September, Washington told, they had started applying the restrictions, but they would not reveal the names of people who are facing the curbs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the citizens to be ready to prevent, prepare and respond to the next health emergency.   In a video message at the G20 Health Ministers meeting being held in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, PM Modi said, “This is especially important in today’s interconnected world. As we saw during the pandemic, health issues in one part of the world can affect all other parts of the world in a very short time.” The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting under India’s G20 Presidency is being held in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar from August 17-19. Notably, India assumed the presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2022.  While explaining the importance of holistic health, he said that the global celebration of the International Day of Yoga is a testament to the universal desire for holistic health.  He further noted that Gujarat is an important step in establishing the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar. “The holding of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, along with the G20 Health Ministers meeting, will intensify efforts to harness its potential. It should be our joint effort to build a global repository for traditional medicine,” he added.    PM Modi further said that health and the environment are organically linked. He added that clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient nutrition, and secure shelter are major factors of health. “The steps taken to address the threat of Anti-Microbial Resistance are also commendable. AMR is a grave risk to global public health and all pharmaceutical advancements so far. I am also glad that the G20 Health Working Group has prioritized ‘One Health’.” He emphasized that the vision of ”One Earth, One Health” envisages good health for the entire ecosystem, including humans, animals, plants and the environment. “This integrated view carries Gandhiji’s message of not leaving anyone behind,” he said.  Additionally, he stressed the digital solutions and technological innovations to make our efforts equitable and inclusive. Nowadays, people from far and wide can receive quality care through tele-medicine.  “India’s national platform, e-Sanjeevani, has facilitated 140 million telehealth consultations to date. India’s COWIN platform successfully facilitated the largest vaccination drive in human history. It managed the delivery of more than 2.4 billion vaccine doses and the real-time availability of globally verifiable vaccination certificates,” he said.  Such global initiatives on digital health will bring together various digital health initiatives on a common platform. “This initiative will allow countries in the Global South to close the gap in healthcare delivery. It will take us one step closer to our goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage,” PM Modi added.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Syed Asim Munir underlined the need to make the country self-reliant to end the dependency on foreign loans, which the cash-strapped nation recently secured with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Geo News reported.  While addressing the opening ceremony of Khanewal Model Agriculture Farm on Monday, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan said, “Pakistanis are a proud, zealous and talented nation. All Pakistanis must throw out the beggar’s bowl.” Notably, Pakistan is set to receive another loan from China. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently said that Pakistan has received a rollover of an additional USD 600 million loan from its all-weather ally China to help shore up the country’s foreign exchange reserves on the back of an IMF deal. In July, the Pakistan government’s debt swelled to USD 2.44 billion, including USD 2.07 billion in non-guaranteed debt owed to China, as per Geo News. The army chief also said that Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with all blessings and no power in the world can stop the country’s progress. General Munir said a state is like a mother and the relationship between the people and the state is of love and respect. He said security and the economy are interlinked and indispensable to each other. COAS also stated that the Pakistan Army is proud to serve its nation, adding that the military drew its strength from the people and vice-versa. Speaking about the model farm, the COAS asserted that the country will witness the agricultural revolution, reported Geo News. He added that model farms will be established across the country in line with modern standards to benefit small farmers and spread the scope of green initiatives.

Amid the recent dengue outbreak, both rural and urban life has been disrupted. Numbers of cases and fatalities are rising day by day. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has recorded 24,000 dengue cases till July this year. But, the situation might worsen in the months of August and September, said health experts. According to World health Organization, dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. So prevention is the best way to control the disease. Symptoms of Dengue *High fever *Severe body aches *Headache *Pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting *Mild bleeding Severe Symptoms of Dengue In 2023, dengue seems to be different than other times. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been mentioned some symptoms. *Belly pain, tenderness *Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours) *Bleeding from the nose or gums *Vomiting blood or blood in the stool When we should go to Doctor World Health Organization (WHO) said, dengue has been ranked one of the top 10 global public health threats. On July 16, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) warned that, the infection rate could expose Bangladesh to a national crisis. Experts urged people to consult a doctor in case of any physical illness. They also said that mosquito killing and personal precautions are important to deal with dengue. So the question is, when we should go to doctor or hospital? DGHS said, the people, who suffer from fever, must visit hospitals for dengue test after taking advices of physicians. If someone is facing 104 degrees body temperature, severe headache, pain behind eyes, pain in body muscles and joints, frequent vomiting, nasal gland swelling and body rash, then he/she must be going to doctor. How to Prevent Dengue There is no specific treatment for dengue. But it can be prevented through effective vector control initiatives and proper sanitation in your own home. *Keep you house clean. *Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants inside and outside *Invest in a mosquito net *Dispose of waste properly *Drain and clean your roof gutters  *Apply mosquito repellent all over your body