Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Mar

Canada and Nordic Nations Forge “Middle-Power” Alliance for Arctic Defense and Procurement

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaArctic security, Mark Carney, Middle-Power Alliance, Military Procurement, NATO, Nordic Defense

Oslo, Norway (Rajeev Sharma)— In a strategic pivot aimed at securing the increasingly volatile High North, Canada and its Nordic allies have launched a new "Middle-Power Defense Initiative" to coordinate military procurement and Arctic security. The meeting, involving leaders from Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, focuses on building a unified front to protect shared interests in the Arctic Circle as global tensions and melting ice reshape the region's geopolitics. The dialogue comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to transition Canada from what he described as "piecemeal" defense spending to a robust, integrated northern strategy. By aligning with…

15 Mar

Delhi-NCR Restaurants Allowed Temporary Use of Wood and Coal in Tandoors Amid LPG Gas Shortage

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBig news, Delhi, Log Crisis, NCR News

Rajeev Sharma :- Amid an ongoing shortage of LPG and natural gas supplies, authorities have granted temporary relief to restaurants and hotels across Delhi and the National Capital Region, allowing them to use wood and coal in traditional tandoors for cooking. The relaxation aims to ensure that food businesses continue operating smoothly despite disruptions in gas availability. Officials said the decision was taken after reviewing the situation with concerned ministries and gas distribution agencies, as many establishments were facing operational difficulties due to limited fuel supply. The move comes in the backdrop of global energy supply disruptions and the Centre’s…

15 Mar

Fear Grips Punjabi Construction Community in Vancouver Amid Rising Extortion Threats

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingVancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Growing extortion threats targeting South Asian entrepreneurs have now reached Vancouver, where several Punjabi builders say they are being forced to alter business practices out of concern for their safety. The problem, which previously emerged in Surrey and Brampton, has begun affecting Vancouver’s construction sector. Developers from the Punjabi community report receiving threatening phone calls demanding money, prompting many to remove signboards from project sites and reduce their public visibility. Reports by OMNI News suggest that some builders have even asked municipal authorities to remove their contact information and development details from publicly accessible city records, fearing…

14 Mar

Canada to Contribute 23.6 Million Barrels to Record IEA Oil Release

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada IEA Release, Global Oil Crisis, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Tim Hodgson, U.S.-Iran War

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) — Canada has officially committed to supplying 23.6 million barrels of oil as part of a historic, coordinated effort by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to stabilize global energy markets. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the move, following the IEA’s decision to release a total of 400 million barrels from strategic stockpiles worldwide. This represents the largest emergency oil release in the agency's history, more than doubling the previous record set during the 2022 Ukraine crisis. The IEA’s emergency measure is a direct response to the "unprecedented" volatility caused by the ongoing U.S.-Iran war,…

14 Mar

Canada’s Middle East Evacuation Efforts: 8,500 Return Home Amid U.S.-Iran War

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAnita Anand, Canada Evacuation, Global Affairs Canada, Middle East conflict, U.S.-Iran War

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Following the outbreak of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran on February 28, 2026, the Canadian government has orchestrated a massive logistical effort to assist citizens and permanent residents in leaving the conflict zone. As of Friday, March 13, 2026, nearly 8,500 Canadians have successfully returned to Canada, while over 1,000 others have been relocated to safe third countries. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has designated the "secure egress" of Canadians as her department's top priority, though Global Affairs Canada (GAC) maintains there is no legal obligation to evacuate citizens—rather, it is a high-stakes service provided during…

14 Mar

Centre withdraws detention order against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBig news, Sonam Wangchuk

Rajeev Sharma :- In a significant move, the Union Government has revoked the detention order issued against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The decision comes amid growing discussions around the activist’s campaign highlighting environmental concerns and issues related to the Himalayan region. Sonam Wangchuk, widely known for his work on sustainable development and climate awareness in Ladakh, had earlier been placed under detention, drawing attention from environmental groups and civil society. The Centre’s latest decision to withdraw the order has been viewed as an important development in the ongoing discourse surrounding environmental advocacy. Wangchuk has been actively raising concerns about the…

13 Mar

First Land Fatalities: Two Indians Killed in Oman Drone Strike Amid West Asia Conflict

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsIndian Evacuation, Indian Fatalities, MEA West Asia, Oman Drone Strike, Safesea Vishnu, Sohar

Oman (Rajeev Sharma): In a tragic escalation of the regional crisis, two Indian nationals were killed and 10 others injured following a drone strike in the Omani city of Sohar on Friday, March 13, 2026. This marks the first time Indian citizens have died on land since hostilities between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran erupted on February 28. The incident occurred when two drones crashed in Sohar, with one specifically targeting the Al Awhi Industrial Zone, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA). Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed the deaths during an inter-ministerial…

13 Mar

Carney Government Unveils $35B Arctic Defense and Infrastructure Blitz

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaArctic Defense, Canadian sovereignty, F-35, Mackenzie Valley Highway, Mark Carney, NORAD Modernization

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) — In a move to transition from "piecemeal" investments to a robust, connected northern network, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a comprehensive $35-billion plan to overhaul Canada’s military and civilian footprint in the Far North. Speaking from the Canadian military’s joint northern headquarters, Carney emphasized that the initiative is designed to "secure every corner" of the Arctic while unlocking its vast economic potential. The plan leverages approximately $32 billion originally set aside for NORAD modernization, with total spending likely to be revised upward as threats and construction costs evolve. Military Expansion: A New Arctic Shield The centerpiece…

13 Mar

Canada Sheds 84,000 Jobs in February; Unemployment Rises to 6.7%

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBank Of Canada, Canada Jobs Report, Economic News, StatCan, unemployment rate

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) — Canada’s labour market suffered a major setback in February 2026 as the economy unexpectedly lost 84,000 jobs, driving the national unemployment rate up to 6.7%. According to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, the decline was far more severe than economists had predicted, marking one of the worst monthly job losses since the COVID-19 pandemic. The report comes at a sensitive time for the Canadian economy, which is currently grappling with trade uncertainty, new U.S. tariff investigations, and the ripple effects of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Key Figures: A "Brutal" Month for…

13 Mar

Premier Danielle Smith Applauds National Times’ International Women’s Month Initiative

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta Premier, Calgary News, Danielle Smith, International Women’s Month, National Times media, Women’s Leadership

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a special message marking International Women’s Day, Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, extended her warm greetings and appreciation as National Times Media Group celebrates and highlights inspiring women throughout the month of March. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the remarkable contributions women continue to make in communities across the province, throughout Canada, and around the world. She emphasized that women play a vital role in shaping society by building successful businesses, strengthening families and communities, leading organizations, and contributing to fields such as education, healthcare, and social development. She noted…