The Consulate General of India in Toronto has opened a dedicated support centre for Indian women in distress. The move comes days after the murder of a 30-year-old Indian woman in Toronto.

The decision aims to strengthen safety support for Indian nationals living in Canada. Officials say the centre will act as a single point of help for women facing crisis situations.

One Stop Centre for Women Launched

The facility is called the One Stop Centre for Women. It operates from the Indian consulate in Toronto.

The centre supports Indian passport holders facing domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, or abandonment. It also assists women dealing with exploitation or legal challenges.

Officials say the centre will provide confidential and timely assistance.

24×7 Helpline and Emergency Assistance

The centre runs a 24×7 helpline for women seeking immediate help. Trained staff respond to distress calls without delay.

Women can access counselling and emotional support through the helpline. The centre also offers psycho-social assistance for trauma survivors.

Officials said quick response remains the top priority.

Legal Guidance and Community Support

The centre provides basic legal guidance within Canadian law. It helps women understand their rights and available options.

Staff also connect women with local community organizations and social services. These services include shelters, healthcare access, and emergency aid.

Financial assistance is available on a means-tested basis, as per Indian government guidelines.

Dedicated Administrator for Women’s Safety

A woman Centre Administrator manages daily operations. She oversees helpline responses and coordinates support services.

The administrator ensures every case receives respectful and dignified handling. Officials said privacy and safety remain central to the centre’s work.

Response to Recent Tragedy

The centre’s launch followed the killing of Himanshi Khurana, an Indian woman living in Toronto. Police found her body inside a residence after a missing person report.

Canadian authorities identified her partner as the main suspect. A nationwide warrant was issued during the investigation.

The Indian consulate expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family.

Strengthening Support for Indians Abroad

Officials say the centre strengthens India’s commitment to citizen welfare overseas. It adds to existing consular services offered in Canada.

The initiative aims to ensure Indian women abroad receive timely help and protection during emergencies.

Canada’s Health Minister Questions U.S. Health Reliability

Canada’s Health Minister, Marjorie Michel, says the country can no longer rely on U.S. health institutions for trusted information.

Michel spoke in a year‑end interview about the evolving landscape of health science in North America. She said Canada must look to more trustworthy scientific partners.

She noted that Canada has long used U.S. health data and science as a reference. But those days are now over, she said.

Concerns Over Vaccine Information and Policy

Michel pointed to issues with vaccine information coming from U.S. institutions. She said recent changes in U.S. health agencies have raised serious concerns.

She emphasized that Canada will make its own decisions on vaccines and other public health matters.

The minister said Canada still watches developments in the U.S., but not as a primary source. Instead, it will work with partners that follow established science.

Changes in U.S. Health Leadership and Policies

The comments come amid shifts in U.S. public health leadership and policy. Canadian officials have noted changes in how some health agencies in the U.S. operate.

Cuts to budgets and adjustments to vaccine schedules have worried health experts in Canada. These changes have, at times, contradicted widely accepted scientific views.

Impact of Misinformation and Disease Outbreaks

Canadian researchers have also warned about the rising influence of health misinformation in the U.S. This trend has made cross‑border information sharing less reliable.

The minister highlighted recent outbreaks of communicable diseases, including measles, as evidence that relying solely on external sources is no longer sensible.

She called for stronger domestic and international partnerships built on scientific integrity and trust.

Building Trust in Canadian Health Science

Michel said Canadian health leaders must work together to build back public trust in science. She noted that all provinces agreed this year to prioritize vaccination and public health coordination.

The minister hopes Canada will soon have more reliable global health partners and reduce dependence on any single foreign institution.

Canada has announced it will end the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program in September 2026. The decision will change how U.S. travelers enter Canada through remote northern regions.

The RABC program has allowed pre-approved American and Canadian travelers to cross into isolated border areas without stopping at a staffed checkpoint. Many visitors used it in northern Ontario and parts of Manitoba for years.

Shift to Mandatory Reporting

Starting September 14, 2026, Canada will replace the permit system with mandatory reporting rules. Travelers must report their entry to the Canada Border Services Agency immediately after crossing.

Visitors will need to call a designated reporting center or report in person at a staffed border location. The permit-based system will no longer apply.

Officials say the change will improve border security and entry tracking. The government also wants consistent rules across all border areas, including remote zones.

Areas Most Affected

The decision impacts crossings in regions such as the Northwest Angle, Lake of the Woods, Lake Superior’s Canadian shore, Sault Ste. Marie upper locks, and Cockburn Island.

These areas attract anglers, campers, paddlers, and families who regularly cross the border for short visits.

Around 11,000 travelers use RABC permits each year, according to official estimates. Most permit holders come from the United States.

Validity of Existing Permits

Current RABC permits will remain valid until September 13, 2026. Travelers can continue using them until the program officially ends.

Authorities say this transition period gives travelers enough time to adjust to the new rules.

Concerns From Communities

Some U.S. lawmakers and border communities have raised concerns about tourism losses. Small businesses depend on cross-border visitors in these regions.

Canadian officials say security and accountability must come first. They believe mandatory reporting will improve safety for travelers and border communities.

What Travelers Should Do Next

Travelers should prepare for the new reporting requirements well before 2026. They should stay informed about reporting locations and phone procedures.

Failing to report entry may result in penalties under Canadian border laws. Planning ahead will help ensure smooth and lawful travel.

Santa Cleared for Christmas Eve Travel in Canadian Airspace

The federal Minister of Transport has officially cleared Santa Claus to travel in Canadian airspace this Christmas Eve.

Each year, Transport Canada releases a seasonal video granting Santa permission to deliver presents across the country.

This year’s message included Prime Minister Mark Carney for the first time.

Festive Video Highlights Safety and Tradition

In the video, Prime Minister Carney calls the Transport Minister about an “unidentified object” on radar.

The minister then speaks with Santa Claus and confirms his clearance to continue his journey.

Santa was reminded to stay on his flight path and take good care of his reindeer.

The playful clip has become a holiday tradition that many Canadians enjoy each Christmas Eve.

NORAD and Santa Tracking Continues

Meanwhile, NORAD continues to track Santa’s worldwide flight as he travels across the globe.

NORAD began tracking Santa from the North Pole on December 24th and updates his position throughout the night.

Children and families can use the NORAD Santa Tracker to see where Santa is and follow his route in real time.

NORAD uses radar, satellites, and other technology to track the sleigh as it moves over each continent.

Holiday Spirit Across Canada

The announcement brings holiday cheer to many Canadians, especially families with young children.

Officials say the post is meant to celebrate the season and engage the public in a fun tradition.

Transport Canada emphasizes that the annual message is symbolic but widely enjoyed across the country.

Santa’s clearance now ensures he is “officially” welcome to deliver gifts from coast to coast to coast.

Mexico Seizes Olympic Medals in Raids Linked to Fugitive

Mexican authorities conducted multiple raids on properties this week, seizing a wide range of items including Olympic medals.

The raids occurred in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, targeting properties linked to a manhunt for a Canadian fugitive.

Authorities Target Homes in Major Operation

Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection said federal agents carried out four coordinated raids.

The Navy, National Guard, Attorney General’s Office, and other security forces participated in the searches.

While the government did not name a suspect, media reports link the raids to Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder now wanted by U.S. authorities.

Wedding, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, competed for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics but did not win a medal.

What Authorities Seized

Officials said the items seized during the raids included:

• 62 high-end motorcycles
• Two vehicles
• Two Olympic medals
• Methamphetamine and marijuana
• Artwork and ammunition
• Documents and other materials

It is unclear who the Olympic medals belong to, as the former athlete linked to the raids did not win medals during his Olympic career.

Fugitive Allegations and Law Enforcement Efforts

U.S. authorities describe the former Olympian turned fugitive as one of the FBI’s 10 most wanted.

They allege he leads a large international drug trafficking network that moves cocaine from Mexico into the United States and Canada.

The U.S. government is offering a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to his capture.

Legal Links and Ongoing Investigation

The raids occurred shortly after an Ontario lawyer linked to the case was granted bail ahead of potential extradition proceedings.

That lawyer faces allegations related to advising murders connected to the organization under investigation.

Mexican officials said the investigation continues and that bilateral cooperation with U.S. law enforcement remains active to locate and arrest the fugitive.

20-Year-Old Indian Doctoral Student Killed in Toronto Campus Shooting

A 20-year-old Indian student, Shivank Avasthi, was tragically shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus on December 23, 2025.

Toronto police said they responded to a call around 3:34 p.m. for a person in distress near Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road.

When officers arrived, they found Avasthi with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Investigate as Homicide

Police have classified the case as a homicide investigation.

Authorities said the suspect fled the area before police arrived.

No arrest has been made so far. Police have urged the public to provide any information.

The police described the incident as isolated with no ongoing threat to the campus community.

Who Was Shivank Avasthi

Shivank was a doctoral student at UTSC, reportedly in his third year of advanced studies in life sciences.

He was also a member of the UTSC cheerleading team, where teammates remembered him for his friendliness and support.

His cheer team said he brought energy and smiles to everyone at practice.

Campus Response

The University of Toronto Scarborough issued a shelter-in-place alert after the shooting.

Students were told to stay indoors or avoid the Highland Creek valley until police cleared the area.

Although the lockdown was lifted later, the community remains shaken by the incident.

India Expresses Condolences

India’s Consulate General in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the tragic shooting.

The consulate said it is in close contact with Avasthi’s family and providing assistance.

Safety Concerns and Reactions

The shooting has raised concerns about student safety, especially near campus trails used by many students.

Students and campus groups are calling for better security measures for off-campus areas.

The tragic death has also sparked discussion on safety for international students in Canada.

Shivank Avasthi’s untimely death has left family, friends, and the campus community devastated and seeking justice.

Indian-Origin Man Dies After 8-Hour Emergency Room Wait in Canada

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, tragically died after waiting over eight hours in a Canadian emergency room.

He was rushed to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton on December 22, 2025, complaining of severe chest pain at work.

Family Speaks About Ordeal

Prashant’s wife, Niharika Sreekumar, recounted the harrowing experience in a viral video.

She said her husband waited in the emergency room from 12:20 pm to 8:50 pm, suffering sharp chest pain throughout.

Hospital staff, she claimed, did not treat his condition as urgent.

Severe Symptoms Ignored

Prashant reportedly told staff his pain was a “15 out of 10.”

Doctors performed an ECG, but told the family it showed no serious problem.

He was only given Tylenol and asked to wait. During this time, his blood pressure rose dangerously.

Collapse and Death

After eight hours, Prashant was finally called into the treatment area.

He collapsed after standing briefly and could not be revived despite resuscitation attempts. Officials cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death.

Hospital Response

The hospital, run by Covenant Health, said it cannot disclose patient care details due to privacy regulations.

The case is now under review by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Family Left Grieving

Prashant leaves behind his wife and three children, aged three, 10, and 14.

His family urges authorities to investigate the hospital procedures and improve emergency care protocols.

Toronto — Police are actively investigating a woman accused of repeatedly vandalizing TTC stations with anti-Indian messages over several months. The incidents have alarmed commuters and local communities.

Graffiti Reported Across Multiple Stations

Authorities say the suspect has defaced walls, pillars, and transit property at several subway stations. The messages reportedly carried discriminatory and offensive content. Commuters first noticed the graffiti in mid-2025, and reports have steadily increased since then.

Toronto Police released a photo of the woman and asked residents to come forward with any information. “We take bias-motivated vandalism very seriously,” a spokesperson said. They emphasized that public safety and respect for all communities remain a top priority.

Investigation Ongoing

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from affected stations and gathering witness statements. Meanwhile, transit staff are working quickly to remove the graffiti. Officials said they have increased patrols in high-risk areas to prevent further incidents.

The police urged anyone with information about the suspect to contact them immediately. “Community cooperation is crucial,” they noted. They also reminded residents that reporting suspicious activity can help stop bias-motivated crimes before they escalate.

Community Reaction

Local organizations expressed concern over the repeated incidents, highlighting the impact on Toronto’s diverse communities. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any similar acts.

The TTC confirmed that cleaning crews are removing graffiti as soon as it is discovered. Additionally, authorities plan to increase awareness campaigns to discourage hate-motivated vandalism.

Toronto Police continue to treat the investigation as ongoing. They hope that, with public support, they can identify the suspect and prevent future incidents.