Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Feb

Canada Inflation Likely to Rise in January as Food Prices Climb After Tax Break Ends

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s annual inflation rate may edge higher in January, driven largely by a sharp increase in food prices following the expiration of a temporary federal sales tax break, economists say ahead of the latest data release. Statistics Canada is set to publish the January consumer price index (CPI) report on Tuesday, a day later than usual due to a regional holiday affecting multiple provinces. A survey indicates economists expect inflation to remain steady at 2.4 per cent year-over-year. However, some analysts believe the headline figure could rise slightly. RBC assistant chief economist Nathan Janzen projects inflation to…

15 Feb

Mikael Kingsbury Wins Canada’s First Gold at Milan Cortina Olympics

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Sports

Livigno (Rajeev Sharma): Canada freestyle skiing legend Mikael Kingsbury clinched Canada’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, triumphing in the men’s dual moguls event. The 33-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, delivered a dominant performance, defeating Japan’s Ikuma Horishima 31-4 in the final of the event, which made its Olympic debut. Australia’s Matt Graham secured the bronze medal. Kingsbury celebrated the victory by pumping his fist on the podium and later tapping his gold medal against the maple leaf emblem on his jacket. The win marked a strong comeback after Kingsbury settled for silver in traditional individual moguls earlier,…

15 Feb

Army Seeks Automated ‘Drone Catcher’ Systems to Counter Rising UAS Threat

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingIndia

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Amid a sharp rise in the use of small, hard-to-detect unmanned aerial systems, the Indian Army has moved to fast-track the acquisition of automated “drone catcher” platforms capable of neutralising hostile drones using net-based interception technology. In a recent Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Ministry of Defence, the Army highlighted the rapidly expanding threat posed by low radar cross-section drones, including those deployed individually or in swarms. Such systems, officials noted, are increasingly difficult to track using conventional radar networks, necessitating dedicated countermeasures. Multi-Layered Counter-Drone Architecture The proposed Drone Catcher System (DCS) is expected…

15 Feb

India-Pakistan Clash Sparks Tourism Boom and Bustling Nights in Colombo

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingColombo, India vs Pakistan

Colombo (Rajeev Sharma): As anticipation builds around the high-voltage India–Pakistan cricket encounter in Colombo, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the boundary ropes. From upscale nightlife hubs to roadside vendors, sections of Sri Lankan society are witnessing an unexpected surge in business tied to the much-awaited fixture. In the capital’s chic Park Street Mews district, known for its vibrant evenings, the atmosphere has turned electric. A short drive along Kynsey Mawatha past De Soysa Circle reveals a polished side of Colombo — gleaming high-rises, spotless avenues, luxury car showrooms and fine-dining establishments that reinforce the city’s cosmopolitan port…

15 Feb

Doctors Accused of Building ‘White-Collar’ Terror Network; NIA Probes ‘Ansar Interim’ Plot

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingDelhi, NIA

Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): A group of highly educated professionals, including medical practitioners, allegedly created a covert terror outfit aimed at carrying out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as well as other parts of the country, officials revealed on Sunday. The module, described by investigators as a “white-collar” network due to the professional backgrounds of its members, is now under the scanner of the National Investigation Agency. According to police sources, the accused had been undergoing a process of radicalisation since 2016. In April 2022, several of them reportedly met at Eidgah in downtown Srinagar and agreed to establish a new…

15 Feb

Massive Toronto Rally Backs Iranian Protest Movement, Urges Ottawa to Act

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingToronto

Toronto (Gaganjot): An estimated 350,000 people filled the streets of Toronto on Saturday in a sweeping show of solidarity with anti-government demonstrators in Iran, according to police. The march, centred in North York and stretching along Yonge Street, called on Canadian officials to formally recognize exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi as a figurehead for a democratic transition in Iran. Participants waved red, white and green flags bearing the historic lion emblem used before Iran’s 1979 revolution, chanting slogans and beating drums as they moved through the city. Organizers said the rally aimed not only to support those protesting in Iran…

15 Feb

‘Canada Stands With You’: PM Carney Joins Leaders at Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCanada

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney stood alongside national and provincial leaders in Tumbler Ridge, offering solidarity and condolences to a grieving community devastated by this week’s deadly school shooting. The tragedy, which claimed eight lives — including six children — has shaken the small northeastern British Columbia town and sent shockwaves across the country. Residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour the victims, reflect on their loss and support one another in the aftermath of the violence. In a rare show of unity, political differences were set aside as leaders from across the spectrum attended the…

15 Feb

Canada Adds Bronze on Day 8 of 2026 Winter Olympics, Gold Eludes Team

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Sports, Trending2026 Winter Olympics, Canada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s medal tally climbed to eight on Day 8 of the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the country is still chasing its first gold of the Games. Speed skater Laurent Dubreuil delivered a podium finish in the men’s 500 metres, capturing bronze after a tightly contested race. The result provided a boost to Canada’s campaign, though the elusive top step of the podium remains out of reach. In short-track speed skating, hopes were high for William Dandjinou in the men’s 1,500 metres. Entering the event as a strong contender for gold, Dandjinou fell short of expectations and finished…

15 Feb

York Cinemas Cancels Advance Bookings for ‘Jana Nayagan’, Announces Refunds Amid Release Delay

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Entertainment, TrendingYork Cinemas

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada-based York Cinemas has cancelled all advance bookings for the much-awaited film Jana Nayagan, citing uncertainty over its release timeline. In a statement shared through its official social media platforms, the theatre chain informed patrons that the film is now unlikely to hit screens before April 30. As a result, tickets purchased in advance have been declared invalid, and refund procedures have been initiated. The management advised customers to verify whether their refunds have been processed. Those who have not yet received the amount have been asked to contact the theatre directly to facilitate the reimbursement at…

15 Feb

India-Canada Partnership in AI Holds Immense Promise, Says University of Waterloo President

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingIndia Canada, India Canda

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Collaboration between India and Canada in the field of artificial intelligence could unlock significant benefits for both nations, according to the head of one of Canada’s premier science and technology institutions. Dr. Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, described the growing engagement between the two countries as a “remarkable opportunity,” highlighting how their respective strengths can complement each other in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Speaking ahead of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he is scheduled to participate alongside Canada’s AI Minister Evan Solomon, Goel emphasised that combining Canada’s expertise…