Weekly Voice

The Weekly Voice is the flagship publication of Voice Media Group, serving as the most trusted and largest South Asian community newspaper in Canada since 1997.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Modi Meets Xi: The $8 to $1 Trade Gap Behind the Handshake

India bought almost eight dollars’ worth of goods from China for every dollar it sold in the 2024 to 2025 financial year. A diplomatic handshake alone cannot change that imbalance.

Following Narendra Modi’s September 12 meeting with Xi Jinping, VNN India Today examines the challenges behind improving relations: border security, market access, business visa difficulties and dependence on Chinese suppliers.

We explain what the trade figures reveal, why a deficit alone does not prove unfair treatment, and what both governments must deliver to turn diplomatic promises into practical results.

Follow Us for more news and analysis on India, international trade and global affairs. Read more at https://t.co/VRBXx0n4RL.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Modi and Xi could help build a more stable international order. The credibility of that ambition will begin with the agreements their governments honour and the opportunities their businesses can... https://t.co/cDz7a63Sx4

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Scientist AI is still unproven, but if the approach works at scale, Canada could find itself helping define not simply how powerful the next generation of artificial intelligence becomes, but how that intelligence is... https://t.co/NETo5JdA3Q

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Public sentiment towards Canada-US relations under Carney and the federal government shows strong positive ratings. The latest data highlights a favorable view of current performance.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

India’s UPI Is Changing October 15: Here’s Who Will Pay

India is changing the economics behind UPI.

From October 15, 2026, certain larger merchant UPI payments will face a new Merchant Discount Rate of 0.4%, capped at ₹300. But consumers are NOT being directly charged, person to person transfers remain free, payments up to ₹2,000 remain free, and qualifying small merchants continue under zero MDR.

So why is India changing a system that helped make UPI the world’s biggest real time payment network?

In this VNN India Today explainer, we break down the real reason behind the new UPI fees, why banks and payment apps say the existing model cannot remain completely subsidized forever, how the money will support payment infrastructure, cybersecurity and expansion, and why some merchants are pushing back.

We also explain the political controversy surrounding the so called “UPI tax,” who actually receives the money, what happens to PhonePe, Google Pay and other UPI apps, and whether merchants could eventually pass some of these costs indirectly to consumers.

The biggest question is not whether UPI disappears. It is whether India can make its massive digital payment system financially sustainable without changing the behaviour that made it successful.

Follow for more explainers on India’s economy, technology, business and major policy changes.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@SolaTheAnalyst Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

70% Approval: Why Canadians Are Backing Carney

Mark Carney’s federal government has reached 70% approval in a new Spark Insights poll, with the survey also finding support extending beyond traditional Liberal voters. The September poll of 6,535 Canadians found 38% of 2025 Conservative voters approved of the government, while 74% rated Carney’s handling of relations with the United States as good or acceptable.

In this VNN Canada report, we break down what is driving the numbers, how Carney’s approval compares with other September polling, and why Canada’s relationship with the United States has become such an important political issue. Abacus Data separately measured federal government approval at 59%, showing majority approval while also illustrating how results vary between polling firms and methodologies.

We also look at the historical comparison with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, whose personal approval reached 71% in Ipsos polling in February 1994, and explain why comparisons across different pollsters and questions require context.

Is Carney entering one of the strongest periods of his premiership so far? Watch the full breakdown and share your thoughts in the comments.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Sending money to friends and family remains free within limits. Merchant payments up to ₹2000 and to small vendors via QR codes also have zero processing charges. Most merchant transactions are unaffected. #UPI #DigitalIndia

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@MrJoKeR604 Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

70% Approval: Why Canadians Are Backing Carney

Mark Carney’s federal government has reached 70% approval in a new Spark Insights poll, with the survey also finding support extending beyond traditional Liberal voters. The September poll of 6,535 Canadians found 38% of 2025 Conservative voters approved of the government, while 74% rated Carney’s handling of relations with the United States as good or acceptable.

In this VNN Canada report, we break down what is driving the numbers, how Carney’s approval compares with other September polling, and why Canada’s relationship with the United States has become such an important political issue. Abacus Data separately measured federal government approval at 59%, showing majority approval while also illustrating how results vary between polling firms and methodologies.

We also look at the historical comparison with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, whose personal approval reached 71% in Ipsos polling in February 1994, and explain why comparisons across different pollsters and questions require context.

Is Carney entering one of the strongest periods of his premiership so far? Watch the full breakdown and share your thoughts in the comments.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Taiwan remains a serious point of disagreement between the US and China, with Xi warning Trump that mishandling the issue could push relations into a dangerous position. Beijing claims the island, while the US provides defensive support.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@mark_slapinski Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

70% Approval: Why Canadians Are Backing Carney

Mark Carney’s federal government has reached 70% approval in a new Spark Insights poll, with the survey also finding support extending beyond traditional Liberal voters. The September poll of 6,535 Canadians found 38% of 2025 Conservative voters approved of the government, while 74% rated Carney’s handling of relations with the United States as good or acceptable.

In this VNN Canada report, we break down what is driving the numbers, how Carney’s approval compares with other September polling, and why Canada’s relationship with the United States has become such an important political issue. Abacus Data separately measured federal government approval at 59%, showing majority approval while also illustrating how results vary between polling firms and methodologies.

We also look at the historical comparison with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, whose personal approval reached 71% in Ipsos polling in February 1994, and explain why comparisons across different pollsters and questions require context.

Is Carney entering one of the strongest periods of his premiership so far? Watch the full breakdown and share your thoughts in the comments.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Approval ratings aren't party loyalty. Carney's handling of Canada-US relations, particularly with the Trump administration, shows strong positive public perception. It's about performance, not just affiliation.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

70% Approval: Why Canadians Are Backing Carney

Mark Carney’s federal government has reached 70% approval in a new Spark Insights poll, with the survey also finding support extending beyond traditional Liberal voters. The September poll of 6,535 Canadians found 38% of 2025 Conservative voters approved of the government, while 74% rated Carney’s handling of relations with the United States as good or acceptable.

In this VNN Canada report, we break down what is driving the numbers, how Carney’s approval compares with other September polling, and why Canada’s relationship with the United States has become such an important political issue. Abacus Data separately measured federal government approval at 59%, showing majority approval while also illustrating how results vary between polling firms and methodologies.

We also look at the historical comparison with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, whose personal approval reached 71% in Ipsos polling in February 1994, and explain why comparisons across different pollsters and questions require context.

Is Carney entering one of the strongest periods of his premiership so far? Watch the full breakdown and share your thoughts in the comments.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Xi Jinping Heads to Washington: What Trump Wants From China

Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to Washington for a major meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 24, with Trump also reportedly planning the unusual gesture of personally greeting Xi when he arrives at Joint Base Andrews on September 23.

The agenda could have global consequences. Artificial intelligence, advanced chips, trade, agriculture, rare earths and Taiwan are all expected to feature as the leaders try to manage one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships. AI in particular has emerged as a major issue ahead of the summit as both countries compete for technological leadership while experts push for safeguards against dangerous military applications.

Trump and Xi are also meeting as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations over their wider economic relationship. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are holding talks immediately ahead of the summit involving trade, AI and rare earth restrictions.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two governments, with U.S. allies closely watching whether any changes emerge from the discussions.

In this VNN World explainer, we break down what Xi’s Washington visit means, what Trump and Xi are expected to discuss, and what to watch when the two leaders finally meet.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@WatcherGuru Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Xi Jinping Heads to Washington: What Trump Wants From China

Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to Washington for a major meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 24, with Trump also reportedly planning the unusual gesture of personally greeting Xi when he arrives at Joint Base Andrews on September 23.

The agenda could have global consequences. Artificial intelligence, advanced chips, trade, agriculture, rare earths and Taiwan are all expected to feature as the leaders try to manage one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships. AI in particular has emerged as a major issue ahead of the summit as both countries compete for technological leadership while experts push for safeguards against dangerous military applications.

Trump and Xi are also meeting as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations over their wider economic relationship. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are holding talks immediately ahead of the summit involving trade, AI and rare earth restrictions.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two governments, with U.S. allies closely watching whether any changes emerge from the discussions.

In this VNN World explainer, we break down what Xi’s Washington visit means, what Trump and Xi are expected to discuss, and what to watch when the two leaders finally meet.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@BRICSinfo Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Xi Jinping Heads to Washington: What Trump Wants From China

Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to Washington for a major meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 24, with Trump also reportedly planning the unusual gesture of personally greeting Xi when he arrives at Joint Base Andrews on September 23.

The agenda could have global consequences. Artificial intelligence, advanced chips, trade, agriculture, rare earths and Taiwan are all expected to feature as the leaders try to manage one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships. AI in particular has emerged as a major issue ahead of the summit as both countries compete for technological leadership while experts push for safeguards against dangerous military applications.

Trump and Xi are also meeting as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations over their wider economic relationship. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are holding talks immediately ahead of the summit involving trade, AI and rare earth restrictions.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two governments, with U.S. allies closely watching whether any changes emerge from the discussions.

In this VNN World explainer, we break down what Xi’s Washington visit means, what Trump and Xi are expected to discuss, and what to watch when the two leaders finally meet.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@Polymarket Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Xi Jinping Heads to Washington: What Trump Wants From China

Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to Washington for a major meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 24, with Trump also reportedly planning the unusual gesture of personally greeting Xi when he arrives at Joint Base Andrews on September 23.

The agenda could have global consequences. Artificial intelligence, advanced chips, trade, agriculture, rare earths and Taiwan are all expected to feature as the leaders try to manage one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships. AI in particular has emerged as a major issue ahead of the summit as both countries compete for technological leadership while experts push for safeguards against dangerous military applications.

Trump and Xi are also meeting as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations over their wider economic relationship. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are holding talks immediately ahead of the summit involving trade, AI and rare earth restrictions.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two governments, with U.S. allies closely watching whether any changes emerge from the discussions.

In this VNN World explainer, we break down what Xi’s Washington visit means, what Trump and Xi are expected to discuss, and what to watch when the two leaders finally meet.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Consumers should compare annual fees, regular and promotional interest rates, foreign currency charges, reward caps, travel protection, insurance, eligibility requirements and network acceptance before applying. Terms & promotions change regularly, and ... https://t.co/dX2Kzy9qp1

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Carney’s current numbers are politically significant on their own without requiring a definitive all time record claim, and future polling will show whether the present level of support... https://t.co/z0dNhMF83h

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

Ultimately, the meeting should be judged by what follows the ceremonies. Clear commercial commitments, dependable communication and practical measures to reduce miscalculation would be more meaningful than an ambitious declaration without... https://t.co/XC5oVEm5rx

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@krassenstein Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

70% Approval: Why Canadians Are Backing Carney

Mark Carney’s federal government has reached 70% approval in a new Spark Insights poll, with the survey also finding support extending beyond traditional Liberal voters. The September poll of 6,535 Canadians found 38% of 2025 Conservative voters approved of the government, while 74% rated Carney’s handling of relations with the United States as good or acceptable.

In this VNN Canada report, we break down what is driving the numbers, how Carney’s approval compares with other September polling, and why Canada’s relationship with the United States has become such an important political issue. Abacus Data separately measured federal government approval at 59%, showing majority approval while also illustrating how results vary between polling firms and methodologies.

We also look at the historical comparison with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, whose personal approval reached 71% in Ipsos polling in February 1994, and explain why comparisons across different pollsters and questions require context.

Is Carney entering one of the strongest periods of his premiership so far? Watch the full breakdown and share your thoughts in the comments.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@Highteaspeaks Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

70% Approval: Why Canadians Are Backing Carney

Mark Carney’s federal government has reached 70% approval in a new Spark Insights poll, with the survey also finding support extending beyond traditional Liberal voters. The September poll of 6,535 Canadians found 38% of 2025 Conservative voters approved of the government, while 74% rated Carney’s handling of relations with the United States as good or acceptable.

In this VNN Canada report, we break down what is driving the numbers, how Carney’s approval compares with other September polling, and why Canada’s relationship with the United States has become such an important political issue. Abacus Data separately measured federal government approval at 59%, showing majority approval while also illustrating how results vary between polling firms and methodologies.

We also look at the historical comparison with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, whose personal approval reached 71% in Ipsos polling in February 1994, and explain why comparisons across different pollsters and questions require context.

Is Carney entering one of the strongest periods of his premiership so far? Watch the full breakdown and share your thoughts in the comments.

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

@_groww Check this out:

[Weekly Voice @Weeklyvoice]

India’s UPI Is Changing October 15: Here’s Who Will Pay

India is changing the economics behind UPI.

From October 15, 2026, certain larger merchant UPI payments will face a new Merchant Discount Rate of 0.4%, capped at ₹300. But consumers are NOT being directly charged, person to person transfers remain free, payments up to ₹2,000 remain free, and qualifying small merchants continue under zero MDR.

So why is India changing a system that helped make UPI the world’s biggest real time payment network?

In this VNN India Today explainer, we break down the real reason behind the new UPI fees, why banks and payment apps say the existing model cannot remain completely subsidized forever, how the money will support payment infrastructure, cybersecurity and expansion, and why some merchants are pushing back.

We also explain the political controversy surrounding the so called “UPI tax,” who actually receives the money, what happens to PhonePe, Google Pay and other UPI apps, and whether merchants could eventually pass some of these costs indirectly to consumers.

The biggest question is not whether UPI disappears. It is whether India can make its massive digital payment system financially sustainable without changing the behaviour that made it successful.

Follow for more explainers on India’s economy, technology, business and major policy changes.