Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

13 May

Import Duty on Gold, Silver Increased to 15% as Government Tightens Precious Metal Inflow

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingGold, Silver

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a major policy move, the Centre has revised customs duties on imported precious metals, raising the effective levy on gold and silver to 15 per cent with immediate effect. The decision, announced through a notification by the Finance Ministry, introduces a 10 per cent basic customs duty along with a 5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess, significantly increasing the cost of bringing precious metals into the country. The revised duty structure, effective from May 13, covers imports of gold, silver, platinum and various industrial products connected to the jewellery sector. Officials indicated that…

13 May

Deadly Pakistan Bazaar Explosion Leaves 9 Dead, Security Forces Launch Massive Investigation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsPakistan

Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): A devastating explosion in a bustling market area of northwestern Pakistan has left at least nine people dead and around 30 others injured, triggering a large-scale security operation in the region. The blast struck Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat district on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the crowded marketplace and causing widespread panic. Police officials said the explosion was caused by a rickshaw loaded with explosives that detonated in the busy locality. Among those killed were two traffic police officers who were on duty at the time, along with a woman and several civilians. Emergency response teams quickly…

13 May

CHCC Alberta Chapter Officially Kicks Off August 1 Gala Event in Calgary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, Trending

Calgary, ( Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) Alberta Chapter officially launched preparations for its highly anticipated Gala Event scheduled for August 1st during a meeting held today in Calgary. The meeting was attended by CHCC National President from Toronto, Maharishi Jani, who is currently on an official visit to Alberta. During his visit, he met with several sponsors and community leaders and formally kicked off the Gala event preparations. Members of the Alberta Chapter shared their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions to make the Gala a grand success. Several sponsors also confirmed their support and participation during…

13 May

Mulayam Singh Yadav’s son Prateek Yadav’s Death Leaves Political Circles in Shock, Postmortem Underway

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingPrateek Yadav

Lucknow (Rajeev Sharma): Lucknow witnessed a wave of grief on Wednesday after the sudden death of Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, at the age of 38. He was rushed to a civil hospital in the city by family members in the early hours, where doctors declared him brought dead. Hospital officials confirmed that a medical board at King George’s Medical University will conduct a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary reports suggested no visible external injury marks on the body, leaving the circumstances of his demise unclear. Prateek,…

12 May

Surrey Police Continue Search for Missing Man After Vehicle Found Near Duffey Lake Road

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingSurrey

Surrey( Rajeev Sharma): Surrey Police Service says concern is growing for missing 29-year-old Francisco Concha Martinez, who has not been seen or heard from since May 5, 2026. Police confirmed that Francisco’s last contact with family was also on May 5. Investigators later located his grey 2026 Mazda CX-30 on May 10 along Duffey Lake Road, approximately 50 kilometres outside Pemberton, B.C., prompting a wider search effort in the area. Francisco is described as a Hispanic male, 5-foot-5, weighing approximately 154 pounds, with black hair, a partial beard, and a slim build. Surrey Police are now asking anyone who may…

12 May

Surrey Police Chief Responds to Shootings, Says Gang Enforcement Remains a Priority

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, Trending

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): Police chief Norm Lipinski says recent shootings in Surrey are “deeply concerning” and reaffirmed that addressing gang violence and organized crime remains a top priority for the Surrey Police Service (SPS). In a detailed statement following recent violent incidents, Chief Lipinski said SPS temporarily reassigned its eight-member Gang Crime Unit to help tackle an unprecedented extortion crisis targeting businesses across Surrey and to manage pressures caused by the accelerated police transition from the RCMP to SPS. He clarified that the decision was made to respond to immediate public safety threats and “not to diminish gang enforcement.” According…

12 May

One Dead, Another Injured in Targeted Shooting at North Hill Co-op Parking Lot in Calgary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): A heavy police presence remains in northwest Calgary after a fatal shooting outside the North Hill Co-op on Monday evening. According to the Calgary Police Service, officers responded around 7:50 p.m. on May 11, 2026, to reports of gunshots in the parking lot of the grocery store located at 520 – 16 Avenue N.W. When officers arrived, two men were found suffering from gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition. Police later confirmed that one of the victims has died. Investigators say the suspects fled the scene before police arrived and no arrests…

12 May

Calgary to Celebrate Grand “Hariyali Celebration , Inspired by Rajasthan” on August 8

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): A vibrant evening of culture, tradition, music, and community spirit is coming to Calgary with the grand “Hariyali Celebration – Inspired by Rajasthan” on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the New Indo-Canadian Centre. Inspired by the traditional festival of Hariyali Teej, the celebration marks the joyful arrival of the monsoon season and honours the sacred bond of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Guests can look forward to an evening filled with green-themed elegance, mehndi, music, cultural performances, and festive community celebrations inspired by the rich heritage of Rajasthan. Ritu K Sharma shared the information and said…

12 May

Danielle Smith Says Alberta Separation Vote Still Uncertain

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, Trending

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Danielle Smith said Monday that it is still unclear whether Alberta separation will appear as a referendum question in October, as the province waits on court rulings and committee reviews.Former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk’s “Forever Canadian” petition asks Albertans: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?” The petition is currently being reviewed by an MLA committee to determine whether it should move to the legislature or a referendum. At the same time, Stay Free Alberta’s petition, led by Mitch Sylvestre, asks whether Alberta should leave Canada and become an independent state. More than 300,000 signatures…

11 May

Hindu Society of Calgary to Host Grand Holi Mela 2026 Celebration on May 17

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaCalgary, Community Event, Cultural Festival, Hindu Society, Holi Mela, Spring Celebration

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Hindu Society of Calgary is set to bring the community together with its colorful and vibrant “Holi Mela 2026” celebration on May 17, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM at 2225 24 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta. President Rajinder Verna told the family-friendly event will celebrate the spirit of Holi through colors, culture, devotion, music, dance, and community connection. Residents from across Calgary are invited to participate in the festivities and enjoy a joyful atmosphere filled with traditional celebrations and entertainment. The event will feature cultural performances showcasing Indian heritage, live music and dance programs, Gulal…