Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

21 Sep

Yom Kippur: Alberta Minister Extends Greetings to Jewish Communities

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingYom Kippur

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen has extended his greetings to Jewish communities across the province and around the world as they observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. In a statement issued on September 20, Yaseen described Yom Kippur as a solemn occasion centred on prayer, reflection, fasting and seeking forgiveness. He also highlighted the values of integrity, humility and compassion associated with the observance. “Yom Kippur is a solemn and meaningful time of prayer as well as an opportunity to fast, seek forgiveness and renew one’s commitment to living with integrity, humility and…

21 Sep

B.C. Conservative Leadership Earthquake: Findlay Resigns as Caucus Unravels

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingB.C. Conservative, Caucus

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma /Amrit Dhot): The B.C. Conservative Party has been rocked by a leadership earthquake, with Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigning after weeks of caucus defections, high-profile expulsions and escalating internal conflict — a dramatic upheaval that has left the official Opposition facing a major leadership and organizational reckoning. Findlay’s resignation on September 20 came just 113 days after she won the party leadership on May 30, bringing an abrupt end to a leadership that unfolded amid growing divisions inside the caucus. The political turmoil intensified after Findlay removed former party leader John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattée from caucus.…

20 Sep

CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA LEADS NAMASTE CANADA 2026 AS VANCOUVER CELEBRATES INDIA’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCanada

Vancouver (Amrit Dhot/ Richa): The Consulate General of India in Vancouver brought India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and community spirit to the heart of downtown Vancouver on Saturday, leading the successful 9th annual Namaste Canada 2026 celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery – North Plaza. The free community festival drew visitors throughout the day, turning the North Plaza into a vibrant showcase of Indian music, dance, culture, food, shopping and community activities. The celebration reflected the Consulate’s continued efforts to provide a prominent platform for India’s diverse cultural traditions and strengthen cultural connections with the wider Canadian community. The full-day…

20 Sep

BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks at Indore Student Event

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingRahul Gandhi

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The BJP has stepped up its criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his appearance at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore, where his on-stage exchange with stand-up comic Pulkit Mani drew a sharp political response from the ruling party. During the event on Saturday, Gandhi and Mani exchanged lines and gestures that were interpreted by BJP leaders as a parody directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including an imitation of the Prime Minister’s voice. The episode quickly became a point of political confrontation, with BJP leaders accusing Gandhi of crossing the limits of political…

20 Sep

India Sends Ninth IAF Consignment With 11 Tonnes of Relief Supplies to Nepal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingIndia, Nepal

NEW DELHI (Rajeev Sharma): India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Nepal with another consignment of relief supplies, as an Indian Air Force aircraft delivered 11 tonnes of essential material to support the neighbouring country's recovery efforts. The latest shipment included a range of supplies such as medicines, forensic equipment, tents, hygiene kits, sleeping bags and other essential items, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The MEA said the consignment has been handed over to the Nepali authorities, marking another step in India's ongoing relief support for Nepal. Ninth IAF flight reaches Nepal The latest delivery was carried…

20 Sep

Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Dies at 46, Leaders Across Political Spectrum Pay Tribute

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingPayal Mehta

NEW DELHI (Rajeev Sharma): Senior journalist and CNN-News18 Assistant Editor Payal Mehta died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46. Mehta, who was in Mumbai on a visit, reportedly developed uneasiness late on Saturday night. She was taken to a hospital at around 2 am, where she died before treatment could be administered, according to accounts shared following her death. Her sudden death prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, journalists and colleagues who remembered her for her extensive coverage of Parliament, government and national politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mehta as a hardworking…

20 Sep

Smoke Near Riyadh Airport as Houthis Claim Missile, Drone Strikes on Saudi Capital

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsRiyadh

RIYADH (Rajeev Sharma): Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement escalated sharply after a large plume of smoke was seen near Riyadh’s main airport, hours after Saudi authorities issued warnings of a possible aerial attack over the capital. The Houthis later claimed that they had launched missiles and drones at what they described as “sensitive” sites in Riyadh. The group also said it targeted facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia, however, said its air-defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition also reported that attempted…

20 Sep

Houthis Warn Pakistan, Türkiye Against Joining Saudi Military Campaign

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsPakistan, Türkiye

SANAA (Rajeev Sharma): Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned Pakistan and Türkiye against deploying forces in support of Saudi Arabia, raising the stakes around a newly established three-way defence arrangement as fighting in the region intensifies. Senior Houthi official Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, speaking to CNN-News18, said Islamabad and Ankara could face military retaliation if their forces became directly involved in operations against the group. He warned that any such intervention would be met with what he described as an “iron fist”. The remarks come amid growing attention on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye on August…

20 Sep

Asian Games 2026: Indian Women Shooters Win Silver in 10m Air Rifle Team Event

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Sports, TrendingAsian Games 2026

NAGOYA (Rajeev Sharma): India added another medal to its Asian Games 2026 tally after Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Mhaskar and Vinod Vidarsa combined to secure the silver medal in the women’s 10m air rifle team event in Nagoya, Japan. The Indian trio produced a strong performance in the team competition but finished behind the gold-medal-winning side, settling for second place on the podium. For Elavenil Valarivan, the result adds another Asian Games medal to her international shooting record, while Sonam Mhaskar and Vinod Vidarsa also contributed to India’s medal-winning campaign. The women’s 10m air rifle team event brought together some of…

20 Sep

BC Conservatives Face Internal Disputes as Caucus Changes Continue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCaucus

Victoria (Rajeev Sharma): The B.C. Conservative Party is experiencing a period of internal change following several caucus departures and removals, along with public disagreements over the party’s leadership and direction as it prepares for a possible provincial election. The latest development came on September 18, when party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay announced that John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattée would no longer be members of the Conservative caucus. The move followed other departures from the caucus since Findlay became leader in May. The changes have prompted public discussion among current and former party members about Findlay’s leadership, communication within caucus…