Latest news with #WSO
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
World Sikh Organization condemns invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for G7 Summit
Amritsar: The World Sikh Organization (WSO) of Canada has criticised Canadian PM Mark Carney strongly for inviting Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, calling the move a betrayal of Canadian values and Sikh concerns. In a statement released on Friday, WSO legal counsel Balpreet Singh said the announcement of Modi's invitation had sparked "outrage and pain" within the Canadian Sikh community , while the organisation had written formally to Carney on May 21, urging him not to extend the invitation to the Indian leader. WSO president Danish Singh called the move "shameful and dangerous," accusing the Canadian govt of disregarding Sikh voices amid tensions over the assassination of Canadian Sikh Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has denied involvement in Nijjar's killing consistently and refused reportedly to cooperate with Canadian authorities investigating the case. The controversy has strained diplomatic ties between the two countries and drawn criticism from Sikh diaspora groups globally. The G7 Summit is set to take place later this year, and Modi's attendance — if confirmed — would mark a high-profile appearance amid ongoing political friction. MSID:: 121678681 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This new law lets Tennessee police and ICE collaborate. Here's how
For the last four years, law enforcement agencies nationwide have been confronting unprecedented consequences created by the Biden administration's devastating open-border policies. Just as President Donald Trump was returning to office in January, Tennessee Republicans were taking critical steps to support his immigration agenda by passing laws to remove dangerous criminals from our streets. To improve coordination between state, local and federal agencies, we passed legislation creating a state immigration enforcement division within the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. More: Tennessee Highway Patrol applies for federal ICE program in wake of Nashville crackdowns One of the most important benefits of this law is the establishment of a new state grant program to support local agencies that enter into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For sheriffs and police chiefs, this is a proven tool to keep their communities safe. It's voluntary, constitutional and highly effective. These grant programs allow trained local officers, typically jail deputies, to identify and process criminal aliens already in custody. Several models within the program include the Jail Enforcement Model (JEM) and the Warrant Service Officer Model (WSO). Under the JEM, local officers are trained and authorized by ICE to identify, process and detain individuals already in custody for immigration violations. The WSO model allows officers who have completed an online training course to serve civil immigration warrants within their detention facilities, on behalf of ICE. These models are focused and practical. Officers working within the programs don't deal with street-level immigration issues; they specifically target lawbreakers already in custody for other crimes. More: Sumner County joins a growing number of counties signing on to ICE enforcement program Shockingly, between October 1 and December 31, 2024, approximately 2,719 illegal immigrants were charged with crimes in Tennessee. These crimes included 11 homicides and 447 violent offenses, according to a report from the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference. That's in just three months, and from only 73 of Tennessee's 95 counties. (The other 22 didn't submit any data.) If these models were implemented statewide, it would guarantee those 2,719 criminals would never freely walk around our state again. Our communities are fed up with the increased drug trafficking, gang violence, and presence of repeat offenders who should have never been here in the first place. ICE continues to do an outstanding job identifying and removing illegal aliens, but they cannot reverse four years of open-border damage alone. They need our support, and these 287(g) agreements are how Tennessee can step up and help. Most recently, the Florida Sheriff's Association announced that all of the Sunshine State's 67 counties would be participating in the 287(g) program, ensuring every county jail has an ICE-deputized officer in place. Currently, only seven counties in Tennessee are participating in the program. This must change. I urge every sheriff and police chief across the state to act now. Opinion: Metro government's ICE outrage is lawlessness disguised as kindness The process is straightforward. The training is covered, and the state offers financial support to help agencies get started. These programs work. Most importantly, these programs prevent the release of criminal illegal aliens back into our communities. We have the tools. The funding is available. Now it's time to act. Let's make it clear that Tennessee enforces its laws and protects its citizens. Lee Reeves serves District 65 of the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Williamson County. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee sheriffs have a new tool to fight crime. Use it | Opinion
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hindu Canadian Foundation defends Anita Anand for her talks with Jaishankar, calls out World Sikh Organization for 'bullying' her
Hindu Canadian Foundation defended Anita Anand for her talks with Jaishankar. Canada's first Indian-origin foreign minister Anita Anand recently spoke with her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar over the telephone and called the discussion productive towards strengthening Canada-India ties. This led to an internal power play in Canada with the World Sikh Organization of Canada slamming Anand and the Hindu Canadian Foundation criticizing WSF for disparaging Anand. The World Sikh Organization said it was "deeply disappointed" by Anita Anand's remarks that the conversation was productive. WSO questioned the silence of the minister over the "targeting of the Sikh community in Canada". The Hindu Canadian Foundation defended the Hindu minister and called out the Sikh organization for bullying her. The HCF said WSO does not represent the entire Sikh community and operates with their own political and social agendas. "WSO is bullying @AnitaAnandMP for merely trying to improve relations with India—an economic powerhouse in Asia. Strengthening diplomatic ties with India has the potential to benefit all Canadians by facilitating trade and fostering economic growth, particularly at a time when Canada faces external geopolitical pressures," the HCF said. "As Prime Minister @MarkJCarney has emphasized, building a stronger Canada requires unity and determination. His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing the country's interests, and his vision calls for parliamentary support to ensure national progress—an idea that resonates broadly across political lines," it said. "Regardless of party affiliation, elected officials must remain accountable to Canadians, prioritizing the nation's well-being over external influences or interests that do not align with the broader goals of the country," the HCF said. "Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together," Anand posted after her talks with Jaishankar. 'Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure,' Jaishankar wrote on X.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
National Green Tribunal halts ecotourism at Odisha's highest peak Deomali
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has halted ecotourism at Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha in the Koraput district, and ordered the state to secure clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, for structures built for it within three months or demolish them and restore the land. NGT's eastern zonal bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar and Arun Kumar Verma said 10 cottages for tourists with dining halls and dormitories, and other constructions lacked permissions. 'If the required approval is not obtained within the stipulated time, erected shall be removed, and the area shall be restored to its original form. In any case, no diversion of the land in question shall be made for non-forestry purposes, and the respondents [state and the Union governments] shall ensure strict compliance with the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, read with the Forest Rights Act, 2006,' the bench said. The bench directed maintenance of a 1.5-2 hectare pine plantation. Deomali, a mountaintop tableland in the Eastern Ghats range, is 5,486 feet above sea level. The Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO), a non-profit organisation, moved the NGT against the constructions, arguing they flouted sustainable development principles. Lawyer Sankar Prasad Pani, who represented WSO, said any non-forest activity in the area requires prior approval under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. 'If the land is not a notified forest and is devoid of trees and vegetation, as is the stand taken, the DFO [divisional forest officer] would have no role in issuing a tender notice for civil works,' said Pani. The Koraput DFO submitted that the ecotourism project site does not fall within any notified forest block or recorded forest land as per the government records, and it is not identified as deemed forest. The NGT was unsatisfied with the submission and said the question arises as to why village level meetings were held for the formation of Van Surakhya Samiti if the state's stand is to be accepted. 'If the land in question was revenue land, the procedure as prescribed under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, would have had no application or necessity,' the bench said. The Deomali project is part of the Union government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme for infrastructure development to boost tourism. The tourism department has separately sanctioned ₹16 crore for the integrated development of the area. There is also a proposal for an ecotourism complex at an estimated cost of about ₹4.5 crore.
Winnipeg Free Press
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Night of farewells filled with joy, reverence
We always knew this day would come, and when it ultimately did, it was a joy-filled celebration of world-class talent and decades-long dedication to a musical organization forever changed by that artistry. Revered Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Gwen Hoebig took her final curtain call Saturday night as the WSO presented the last offering in its Saturday Classic series, the aptly titled Celebrating Gwen Hoebig. The Vancouver-born musician steps down this month after a remarkable 37-year tenure in her prestigious position; she is just the fourth concertmaster in the WSO's 77-year history and Canada's longest reigning concertmaster, now passing the proverbial bow to Karl Stobbe. Mark Rash photo WSO concertmaster Gwen Hoebig plays at a concert in her honour on Saturday night. And what a sendoff it was, with the audience bursting into thunderous applause the moment the violinist took the stage for her first selection, led by WSO maestro Daniel Raiskin. The emotionally charged night also marked the retirement of longtime orchestra pillars: Jan Kocman after an incredible 51 years as principal flutist; and principal cellist Yuri Hooker, who has served for a quarter-century. Raiskin paid personal homage to these three beloved musicians following intermission, hailing them as 'precious members of the WSO' while adding his own heartfelt benediction: 'You have been what the orchestra has become all these years.' The 115-minute (with intermission) program launched with the WSO première of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante K. Anh. 104 (320e), for which Hoebig was joined by the two musical children she shares with pianist husband David Moroz: cellist Juliana Moroz and violist Alexander (Sasha) Moroz, now establishing professional careers of their own. This delightfully effervescent musical bonbon — Mozart's incomplete score was reconstructed in 1989 by Britain composer Philip Wilby — proved an ideal choice, showcasing the simpatico artistry and familial bonds of these three string players. After Hoebig rendered its gracious opening theme accompanied by her children, we were also given a promise of the future of classical music. Juliana Moroz exuded pure confidence and poise, her silken, honey-sweet tone particularly singing during the one-movement work's more lyrical passages. Sasha Moroz provided steady ballast for the cohesive, well-balanced ensemble, nimbly tossing off his virtuosic runs right into his uppermost range with aplomb. The trio's entwining of their lines stirred the soul; it was a passing of the torch to the next generation— and event also witnessed by Hoebig's internationally renowned cellist brother, Desmond Hoebig in town for the auspicious occasion — right before our very eyes. Mark Rash photo Maestro Daniel Raiskin (right) leads the orchestra, violinist Gwen Hoebig and her pianist husband David Moroz on Mozart's Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra. We were then treated to a second Mozart work, and another WSO première Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra, K. Anh. 56 (315f), with Hoebig now joined onstage by David Moroz. After Raiskin set a brisk pace for the opening Allegro, Hoebig once more delivered its opening theme, while displaying her expansive palette of tonal colours and seamless, lyrical phrasing. Moroz matched her note for note with crisp figuration and trills that sparkled, neatly tossing off his part's virtuosic demands while infusing his playing with customary finesse. The slower movement, Andantino: cantabile, was particular highlight, with Raiskin sculpting sound like an artisan while sensitively cueing each section — well in tune with the soloists who brought its languorous themes to life. Then it was time for the rollicking rondo finale, Allegretto, teeming with ebullient high spirits and packed with rhythmic punch, leading to a triumphant finish and another ovation by the charmed crowd. The second half of the program featured Hoebig now returned to her first chair as concertmaster, seated among her musical colleagues for Debussy's La Mer, last performed here in 2016. Penned between 1903 and 1905, the French composer's highly impressionist, lushly orchestrated 'symphonic sketches' capture the grandeur of the sea, unfolding as three varied movements, from the opening, hushed From Dawn to Noon on the Sea, through to infectious Play of the Waves before majestic closer Dialogue of the Sea. The maestro's sensitive approach ensured clarity throughout, as its constantly shifting waves of sound ebbed and flowed like sea tides. Kudos to the rarely spied double harps, as well as the winds that shimmered like sunlight on water. Sonorous brass were equally matched by a dramatic timpani roll at the top of the finale, as well as such gentler percussion effects as bells and cymbals evoking dancing waves in this ear-pleaser not frequently heard live. Mark Rash photo From left: first violinist Gwen Hoebig; her son, violist Sasha Moroz; her daughter, cellist Juliana Moroz, and WSO maestro Daniel Raiskin Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The program rounded out with one of Hoebig's stated personal favourites, last performed here in 2008: Richard Strauss's narrative-based symphonic poem Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Op. 28, where the fiddle represents the German medieval trickster title character in a series of mischievous adventures. This performance, ranging from stately themes to shocking dynamic contrasts and pungent dissonances, charmed the senses, while capturing the joy of music that Hoebig has always brought to the stage — and gifted to us throughout her 37 seasons. As expected, this great Canadian artist, who has left a lasting legacy, garnered one final standing ovation with the entire house now on its feet, cheering for their own musical hero, who will be missed deeply, as the WSO now embarks on its next grand and glorious chapter. The program repeated Sunday afternoon as the final offering in the Shirley Loewen Sunday Classics series.
