Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Aug

Iran-US Conflict: Washington Signals Prolonged Hormuz Standoff as Gulf Shipping Comes Under Pressure

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The confrontation between the United States and Iran is showing signs of entering a prolonged phase, with Washington warning that its naval presence around Iran can be sustained for as long as necessary while tensions continue to mount around the Strait of Hormuz. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the American military has the capacity to keep the blockade in place indefinitely by rotating naval assets in and out of the region. The remarks come as diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict remain stalled. Hormuz becomes central flashpoint The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of…

14 Aug

Alberta Launches 100-Year Plan to Secure Water Supply Amid Population and Economic Growth

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is beginning work on a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring the province has enough reliable water to meet the needs of communities, agriculture and industry over the next century. The provincial government has issued a request for proposals for a white paper on Alberta’s long-term water security, seeking practical and innovative ways to increase water availability and improve how the resource is managed. The initiative comes as Alberta's population and economy continue to expand, increasing demand for water across municipalities, farms, agri-food operations and industries. Study to examine major water infrastructure The proposed white paper will…

14 Aug

Alberta Invests $1.5 Million to Expand Whitecourt Newsprint Mill, Create New Jobs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Whitecourt (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is putting more than $1.5 million toward the expansion of Alberta Newsprint Company’s Whitecourt facility, backing an almost $50-million modernization project aimed at strengthening the province’s forestry industry and creating new employment opportunities. The funding is being provided through Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund. The expansion is expected to allow the mill to produce multiple grades of paper and move into higher-value products, helping the company respond to changing market demand. Expansion to create 13 permanent jobs The project is expected to generate 13 permanent full-time positions along with 25 temporary construction jobs during…

14 Aug

Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Seven Dead After Sudden Inrush of Water and Debris, Rescue Efforts Continue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingChamoli

Chamoli (Rajeev Sharma): A major accident at an under-construction tunnel in Pipalkoti has claimed seven lives after a large quantity of water and debris entered the structure, trapping workers inside. The tunnel is part of a project being executed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC). Rescue teams have been working to reach the remaining workers, with the operation being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). 19 rescued workers taken to Gopeshwar hospital A total of 19 workers were brought to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar after being evacuated from…

14 Aug

Himachal Pradesh Braces for More Rain as Landslide Shuts NH; Orange Alert in Mandi, Sirmaur

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The monsoon situation in Himachal Pradesh remained a cause for concern on Friday after a fresh landslide blocked the Shimla-Dharamshala National Highway near Bhararighat, while the weather department warned of more intense rainfall in several districts over the coming days. The landslide struck the highway on Thursday night when an HRTC bus carrying passengers was passing through the area. The bus narrowly escaped being hit by the falling debris. Traffic on the stretch was subsequently stopped for all vehicles as authorities worked to clear the road. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of hill roads…

13 Aug

“WE WERE TOLD TO KEEP PROTESTING, BUT WHEN CBSA AND POLICE ARRIVED, NO ONE CAME”: PORTAGE STUDENTS QUESTION SUPPORT BEHIND 20-DAY PROTEST FOR JUSTICE

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCBSA

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A protest for justice involving international students and graduates linked to Portage College has entered its 20th day, following a significant development on the previous day when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers and the Calgary Police Service attended the demonstration. The protest, which began over refused Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications, took a dramatic turn on its 19th day. According to information provided to National Times, CBSA officers conducted immigration-status checks and reportedly served some individuals with “Notice to Appear” documents under subsection 44(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The exact number of…

13 Aug

Karoline Leavitt to Leave White House Press Secretary Role, Plans to Continue Advising Trump

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsKaroline Leavitt

Washington: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has decided to step down from her position, saying the demands of the job have made it difficult to strike the balance she wants between public service and raising her two young children. Leavitt announced the decision in a statement, reflecting on her time as one of the most visible faces of the Trump administration. She described the role as a defining experience and thanked President Donald Trump for placing his confidence in her. The decision follows the birth of her daughter and her return to work at the White House. Leavitt said…

13 Aug

Iran Signals Readiness for Long Conflict With US, IRGC Adviser Says

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran is prepared for a prolonged confrontation with the United States and could seek to sustain the conflict until the end of US President Donald Trump's term, a senior adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said, as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an adviser to the IRGC commander, made the remarks during an interview with PBS NewsHour. His comments came against the backdrop of reports that the Trump administration could consider ending hostilities if Tehran agrees to reopen the key maritime route. Naqdi argued that keeping the…

13 Aug

Oversized Load to Cause Delays Between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingEdmonton

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Motorists travelling between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan may face delays over the next few days as a super-heavy, oversized load makes its way along a designated route, authorities said. The massive shipment is scheduled to begin its journey from Dacro in Edmonton late Wednesday, August 12, before continuing towards its destination near Fort Saskatchewan. Because of its exceptional size and weight, the load will travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Guide vehicles will accompany the convoy throughout the movement. The load will operate below the posted speed limits and, where required, occupy the full width…

13 Aug

Alberta Announces Nearly $21 Million to Strengthen Support for Sexual Violence Survivors

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced nearly $21 million in funding to expand specialized services for people affected by sexual violence and abuse, with investments aimed at improving access to support for survivors, children, youth and families across the province. As part of the funding package, the government will provide $17 million to 15 sexual assault centres and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. The allocation includes an additional $3.3 million towards the province's commitment to increase funding for sexual assault centres by $10 million by 2028-29. The province is also committing $3.7 million in annual funding…