Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

27 Dec

Heavy Airstrikes Shake Ukrainian Capital Hours Before Planned Trump–Zelenskyy Talks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsUkraine

Kyiv (Rajeev Sharma): Kyiv and surrounding regions were jolted by a powerful overnight barrage of missiles and drones, plunging residents into shelters and heightening tensions just ahead of a scheduled meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. The attack marked one of the most intense aerial assaults on the capital in recent weeks. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly as Ukrainian air defence units engaged incoming threats. Residents reported hearing a series of loud blasts across different parts of the city, while flashes in the night sky indicated active interception efforts. Strikes were also felt in nearby…

26 Dec

Canada Records Coldest Temperatures in 50 Years as Mercury Plunges to –50°C

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada-50° C, Canada, Coldest Temperature

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is currently experiencing one of its most severe cold snaps in half a century, with temperatures dipping to as low as –50°C in several regions. This extreme cold is affecting communities nationwide, making it the harshest winter in decades. From coast to coast, all provinces are shrouded in frigid Arctic air: • Western Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba report subzero temperatures, with Prairies facing dangerous wind chills and icy conditions. • Central Canada: Ontario and Quebec are seeing prolonged bitter cold, impacting transportation and increasing energy demands. • Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,…

26 Dec

BJP’s VV Rajesh Elected Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, Party Secures Historic First in Kerala Corporation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaKerala municipal corporation results, Thiruvananthapuram mayor election, VV Rajesh BJP

Thiruvananthapuram (Rajeev Sharma): BJP leader V V Rajesh was elected mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation on Friday, marking the saffron party’s first-ever control of a municipal corporation in Kerala. The victory comes after the BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 50 of the 101 wards in the civic body.In the mayoral election, Rajesh secured 51 votes with the backing of an Independent councillor. LDF candidate P Sivaji received 29 votes, while UDF nominee K S Sabarinathan polled 19 votes, of which two were later declared invalid.Senior BJP leaders, including state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, were present at the…

26 Dec

Weekly Food Drive Serving 200+ People in Airdrie Shut Down, Organizers Speak Out

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAirdrie, Food Drive, Maulik Shah

Airdire (Rajeev Sharma): Maulik Shah announced with regret that a long-running weekly food drive in Airdrie has been shut down, citing actions by what he described as politically motivated individuals. For a long time, the initiative had been operating through consistent volunteer efforts, distributing groceries each Saturday to more than 200 plus people in need. The program was supported by over 50 dedicated volunteers and had become a vital source of assistance for vulnerable members of the community. Speaking to National Times, Shah said his team would not stop doing social work due to any political pressure. He emphasized that…

26 Dec

Madras High Court Urges Centre to Consider Law Banning Social Media Use for Children Below 16

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiachild pornography, children and social media, Madras High Court, social media ban

Chennai, December 26, 2025: The Madras High Court has suggested that the Union government examine the feasibility of enacting legislation on the lines of Australia’s recent law that restricts children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The court made the observation while hearing a petition highlighting the easy availability of pornographic content on the internet. A Division Bench comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan said that until such a statutory framework is put in place, authorities must significantly strengthen awareness campaigns on the dangers of child pornography. The…

26 Dec

Indian student, 20, shot dead near Toronto University, accused at large

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada News, Murder, Punjab, Toronto

National Times Bureau :- The Indian Consulate in Toronto on Thursday said it was deeply distressed by the killing of Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian student, who was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Police said Avasthi was found with a gunshot injury in the Highland Creek Trail–Old Kingston Road area on Tuesday and was declared dead on the spot. The suspects escaped before officers reached the scene, and the campus was briefly locked down during the search. This was Toronto’s 41st homicide this year. “We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian…

26 Dec

Trump Confirms US Military Action Against ISIS-Linked Militants in Nigeria

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, ISIS, Nigeria, US

California (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has carried out a military operation targeting Islamic State-affiliated fighters in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced, calling the action a direct response to extremist violence in the region. In a post shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump said the strike was ordered after reports of repeated attacks by ISIS-linked militants, particularly against Christian communities. He described the operation as forceful and effective, asserting that US forces acted decisively to neutralize the threat. The President said the mission was conducted under his command and emphasized that Washington would not allow…

26 Dec

Vrindavan Prepares for Large Devotee Influx on New Year 2026; High-Powered Committee Finalises Comprehensive Arrangements

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingVrindavan

Vrindavan (Rajeev Sharma): Vrindavan is preparing for a substantial influx of devotees during New Year 2026, with estimates indicating that more than five lakh (500,000+) pilgrims are expected to visit the holy town during the period. The surge is attributed to Vrindavan’s deep spiritual significance, with the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple remaining the principal centre of devotion for visitors during the New Year. In view of the anticipated turnout, authorities are gearing up for heavy congestion, extended waiting hours, and enhanced safety and security arrangements, particularly in and around the Banke Bihari Temple. Traffic regulation and controlled pedestrian…

26 Dec

Indian Research Scholar Killed in Toronto Shooting, Authorities Launch Probe

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingToronto

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus has claimed the life of an Indian doctoral student, prompting expressions of grief from Indian authorities and concern within the international student community. The victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, was pursuing advanced research studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, the incident occurred in the vicinity of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Emergency responders reached the location after reports of gunfire and found the student suffering from a fatal gunshot injury. He was declared dead at the scene. Police said those responsible had escaped before…

25 Dec

Saskatchewan Court Dismisses Lawsuit Related to Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaHumboldt Broncos Bus Crash, Lawsuit, Saskatchewan Court

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ( Rajeev Sharma): A lawsuit filed against the driver of the semi-truck involved in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, the province of Saskatchewan, and the bus company has been dismissed by the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench.Justice J. Mitchell ruled that provincial legislation preventing the Herolds and four other families from suing does not violate their Charter rights. The legislation effectively shields certain parties from civil lawsuits related to the crash.The legal action was joined by the families of Jaxon Joseph, Logan Hunter, Jacob Leicht, and Mark Cross, alongside the Herolds. The suit was originally filed shortly…