Canada’s trade minister Maninder Sidhu, in an interview with TOI’s Sachin Parashar & Sidhartha, says his govt is focusing on quality skilled workers and both the countries are taking one step at a time before they move ahead with talks on a trade deal. Excerpts:

Bihar's Kalyanpur constituency is witnessing a close contest between BJP, RJD, and Jan Suraaj Party candidates. Polling has concluded, with results due November 14. The seat, historically a battleground, is crucial for East Champaran's political landscape. Exit polls suggest an NDA lead in Bihar, with Jan Suraaj Party unlikely to secure significant seats.

The Kesaria assembly constituency in Bihar is experiencing a close triangular contest between JD(U), VIP, and JSP candidates. Polling concluded on November 11, with results to be declared on Friday. The constituency, located in Purvi Champaran, has a politically aware electorate and played a key role in past elections.

SINGAPORE — The «symbiotic relationship» between the PAP government and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) lets hard decisions be made by Singapore to overcome crises, sustain growth and protect livelihoods, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Nov 13.Speaking at the NTUC Ordinary Delegates' Conference, DPM Gan touched on the heightened relevance of the three-way partnership between the Government, labour movement and employers amid geopolitical, technological and demographic shifts.«(Tripartism) also gives businesses and investors confidence that Singapore remains a place where change can be managed responsibly, where policies are rational and predictable, and where workers and employers can both have a stake in our success.»DPM Gan was the guest of honour at the event, which was held at Downtown East. It marks the midterm of the current central committee, the labour movement's highest decision-making body.While much has changed in the world of work, he said, NTUC's mission to champion the interests, dignity and progress of every worker has remained.

SINGAPORE — Britain's Princess Anne met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana on Nov 12 and discussed issues relating to sustainability, biodiversity, education and skills development during their meeting.They also reaffirmed the longstanding and multifaceted ties between Singapore and Britain, including strong people-to-people ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Nov 13.Princess Anne was in Singapore on a two-day trip from Nov 12 to 13, during which she also met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.PM Wong and the Princess Royal, as she is also known, marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and UK, MFA said.They also reaffirmed Singapore and Britain's strong co-operation across different sectors and exchanged views on how greater collaboration can be achieved in emerging areas such as trade, artificial intelligence and cyber security.

Squamish Search and Rescue found Zachery Mayne hanging onto a small outcropping of rock to stop himself from plummeting more than 450 metres to the ground.

A 35-year-old Malaysian man will be charged in court on Friday (Nov 14) over his alleged involvement in two separate cases of government official impersonation scam (GOIS). He is the third Malaysian to be charged this week for this scam variant involving the impersonation of government officials purportedly from the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).In a statement on Nov 13, the police said they received two separate reports on Nov 11 and 12 from two different victims.Modus operandi: Your account, identity is compromisedThe first victim was allegedly told over the phone by an unknown person, claiming to be from UnionPay, that an insurance policy she purchased was due to expire and she had to pay for it.When she denied doing so, the person suggested that her identity may have been misused and that he would file a case with the police. Shortly after, she received another call from a «government official» claiming to be from MinLaw and MAS. 

Patna Sahib anticipates a close triangular fight as results for BJP's Ratnesh Kushwaha, Congress's Shashant Shekhar, and JanSuraaj's Vinita Mishra are due Wednesday. Polls suggest NDA's strong performance statewide, with Patna Sahib, a BJP stronghold, being a key constituency to watch. Past results show a consistent BJP lead.

Kumhrar braces for a tight three-way electoral battle as vote counting commences Wednesday. While polls suggest an NDA victory statewide, this key Patna constituency, a BJP stronghold, awaits its fate. Past results show a clear BJP dominance, making this contest a significant indicator of regional political currents.

Bankipur braces for a tight three-way electoral battle as vote counting commences. Nitin Nabin of BJP, Rekha Kumari from RJD, and Vandana Kumari of JanSuraaj are in contention. The constituency, a BJP stronghold, witnessed significant voter turnout. Exit polls suggest a potential NDA victory in the broader election.

Danapur awaits vote counting for a direct contest between BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav and RJD's Rit Lal Roy. The constituency, with a mixed urban-rural base, has seen shifting political preferences over decades. Recent polls suggest an NDA lead in the broader election.

What was it that persuaded Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he is now known, to move out of Royal Lodge, his 30-room 'palace' at Windsor and accept the loss of his titles and honours, too?

Veselin Dudenski, 39, admitted causing the death of Elsie Gascoigne by dangerous driving when he appeared before a judge at Lincoln Crown Court this morning.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has described Donald Tusk as the worst prime minister since the communist era amid an escalating feud Read Full Article at RT.com

President Ahmad al-Sharaa is playing “basketball diplomacy” with his Washington and Moscow visits Read Full Article at RT.com

Berlin is set to treat new Ukrainian arrivals as regular refugees, ending their preferential status, Bild has reported Read Full Article at RT.com

The BBC has apologized to US President Donald Trump for showing a deceptive edit of his speech Read Full Article at RT.com

The US has announced a new military task force to combat drug cartels amid tensions with Venezuela Read Full Article at RT.com

Khassim Diagne also noted that the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Cyprus Murat Zyazikov has a long-standing relationship with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres