Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

26 Jan

Char Dham entry restrictions for non-Hindus proposed by Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBadrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, Char Dham, non-Hindus entry, Uttarakhand temples

Dehradun, January 26, 2026: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has proposed restricting the entry of non-Hindus at the Char Dham shrines and several other major pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, a move that has sparked fresh debate around religious traditions, constitutional values and access to sacred spaces. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that revered shrines such as Badrinath and Kedarnath are not tourist destinations but the highest spiritual centres of Sanatan Dharma. He emphasised that entry into these temples should be governed by long-standing religious traditions rather than being treated as a civil or tourism-related right. Dwivedi stated that prominent religious…

26 Jan

Disha Patani and singer Talwiinder spark dating rumours after multiple public outings

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainmentcelebrity news, dating rumours, Disha Patani, Lollapalooza India, Talwiinder

Mumbai, January 26, 2026: Actor Disha Patani and Punjabi singer Talwiinder have triggered widespread speculation about a possible relationship following a series of public appearances together that have caught the attention of fans and social media users. The first signs emerged during the wedding celebrations of Nupur Sanon, sister of actor Kriti Sanon, and musician Stebin Ben in Udaipur. A video from the festivities went viral after it showed Talwiinder without his signature face paint, standing close to Disha Patani. The clip quickly drew curiosity, as Talwiinder is rarely seen without the distinctive look that conceals his face. Soon after,…

26 Jan

Paul Brandt post fuels Alberta separatist buzz amid independence petition drive

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta independence referendum, Alberta separatist movement, Paul Brandt Alberta Bound, Stay Free Alberta petition

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member Paul Brandt has sparked debate online after sharing a social media post that many supporters of Alberta separatism interpreted as a nod to the province’s independence movement. Late Saturday, Brandt posted a photograph of himself walking along a highway, overlaid with lyrics from his 2004 hit song Alberta Bound. The image prominently featured the line “I’ve got independence in my veins,” prompting speculation about whether the singer was signalling support for calls to separate Alberta from Canada. While Brandt did not explicitly state his political views, supporters of the Alberta…

26 Jan

South Korea steps up bid for Canada’s multi-billion dollar submarine project

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanadian submarine procurement, Kang Hoon-sik Canada visit, South Korea Canada submarine deal

Ottawa/Seoul (Rajeev Sharma): South Korea has intensified its efforts to secure a major Canadian submarine procurement project, with Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik leading a high-level delegation to Canada along with senior executives from Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Group and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Kang said the visit aims to strengthen South Korea’s bid for the Canadian Navy’s new submarine fleet, a project believed to be worth around 40 trillion won (approximately US$27.65 billion). South Korea is competing against Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the contract, which industry sources estimate to be valued at more than US$12 billion. Speaking…

26 Jan

Winter storm shuts schools, cancels flights across Nova Scotia and parts of Eastern Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaEnvironment Canada warning, Halifax flight cancellations, Nova Scotia winter storm, school closures Canada

Halifax (Rajeev Sharma): A powerful winter storm sweeping across Nova Scotia on Monday has forced the closure of schools and government offices and led to widespread flight cancellations at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Heavy snowfall is expected to continue into Tuesday, with some areas forecast to receive 30 centimetres or more. Public schools across mainland Nova Scotia are closed, along with several post-secondary institutions, including Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Community College campuses, except for Sydney, which remains open. Provincial government offices have also been shut for the day. Public Works Minister Fred Tilley said the province has mobilized around…

26 Jan

Canada has no plans for free trade deal with China: PM Mark Carney

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada China relations, Canada US trade, Donald Trump tariffs, Mark Carney, USMCA

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday said that Canada has no intention of pursuing a free trade agreement with China, responding to US President Donald Trump’s warning of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa moved ahead with a trade deal with Beijing. Carney clarified that Canada’s recent engagement with China does not amount to a free trade agreement, but instead focuses on resolving limited tariff-related issues that arose over the past two years. He said Canada has no intention of entering into free trade agreements with China or any other non-market economy.…

26 Jan

Canada PM Mark Carney Likely to Visit India in Early March; Major Deals Expected Across Energy, Minerals and Tech

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, IndiaCanada energy ties, critical minerals, India Canada relations, Mark Carney India visit, nuclear cooperation, uranium supply deal

New Delh/Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in the first week of March, with several agreements expected to be signed across energy, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation and emerging technologies, India’s High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik told news agency Reuters. The proposed visit is being seen as a significant step in Canada’s effort to diversify its trade and strategic partnerships beyond the United States, which remains its largest trading partner. Officials on both sides are working towards finalising a comprehensive package of agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to Patnaik, Prime Minister…

26 Jan

Google Doodle celebrates 77th Republic Day with ISRO themed illustration

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsGoogle Doodle, Republic Day

National Times Bureau :- Google marked India’s 77th Republic Day with a special doodle inspired by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), celebrating a landmark year for the country’s space program. The tribute highlights major ISRO missions, including Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan. Google India’s post on X read, “Dreaming, exploring, and reaching for the stars… here’s to ISRO’s spirit of exploration.” The Republic Day 2026 Google Doodle features satellites, orbital paths, and other space-themed visuals creatively embedded into the letters of “GOOGLE.” While Google has not provided an official explanation of the design, the artwork reflects India’s growing achievements in space…

26 Jan

Iran-US Crisis Intensifies: Over 36,500 Iranians Killed During January 8-9 Protests Amid Military Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsConflict, Iran, Tension, US, US Iran tensions

National Times Bureau :- As hostilities escalate between Iran and the United States, reports indicate that President Donald Trump received a WhatsApp message delivered by his envoy Steve Witkoff, containing communications from Iran’s Foreign Minister and President. The message reportedly urged Trump to delay any potential military action. Meanwhile, in central Tehran Square, Iranian authorities unveiled a large mural directly warning the United States against attempting an attack. The mural depicts a US aircraft carrier surrounded by damaged and exploding fighter jets. Bodies litter the deck, and blood trails into the sea below, forming the stripes of the American flag.…

26 Jan

Heavy Snowfall Disrupts School Operations Across Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada, Toronto

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The after-effects of a powerful winter storm that swept through southern Ontario on Sunday prompted widespread school closures across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) on Monday, as authorities worked to clear snow and restore safe travel conditions. The Toronto District School Board confirmed that all its schools, administrative offices, learning sites and childcare centres would remain shut for the day to support ongoing snow-clearing efforts and in response to the severe weather alert issued by the city. Soon after, the Toronto Catholic District School Board announced similar closures, adding that examinations scheduled for Monday have…