Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

07 Jan

Extreme Cold Grounds Flights in Northwestern Canada, Highlighting Winter Travel Risks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Cancelled, Cold, Flights

Edmonton(Rajeev Sharma): A powerful Arctic cold wave has swept through far northwestern Canada, driving temperatures below –50°C and forcing airlines to cancel flights as aircraft became unsafe to operate. Even in clear weather, extreme cold can severely impact aviation by affecting engine performance, fuel systems, hydraulics, tires, and sensitive electronic equipment, creating serious safety risks on the ground and in the air. Aviation experts note that such conditions can cause metal components to become brittle, fluids to thicken, and onboard systems to malfunction, making normal operations impossible. As a result, airlines grounded aircraft to protect passenger safety and prevent long-term…

06 Jan

Calgary Braces for Long-Term Water Restrictions as City Commits to Rebuilding Critical Main

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBearspaw feeder main, Calgary water crisis, Jeromy Farkas, water conservation measures

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Nearly a week after the Bearspaw feeder main ruptured for the second time, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has made it clear that water conservation measures will remain in effect until a brand-new water main is constructed, marking what could become the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history. Speaking on Monday, Farkas said Calgarians can no longer afford to take water access for granted, describing the situation as a fundamental shift in how the city must manage its most vital resource. Emphasising public safety, he said residents deserve transparency about the scale of the problem and the…

06 Jan

Border Traffic Slumps as B.C. Day Trips to Washington Lose Momentum

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaB.C.-Washington border, border crossings decline, Canada-U.S. travel

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma)–Washington border crossings saw a sharp rise at the start of 2025, but the momentum quickly reversed, leading to steep declines that are now hurting businesses in U.S. border communities. Data shows that in January 2025, the number of B.C.-registered vehicles entering Washington state increased by 10 per cent compared to the previous year. At the time, experts described the surge as part of a broader post-pandemic recovery. Laurie Trautman from Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute said the growth reflected Canadians returning to pre-COVID travel habits. “We had been on an upward trajectory month over…

06 Jan

Canada Joins High-Stakes Paris Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire, Carney Signals Expanded Security Role

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Ceasefire Talks, Mark Carney, Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine war

PARIS, January 6: Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Paris on Tuesday to join key international partners in discussions on securing a potential ceasefire in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, with Canada expected to outline how it could contribute to future security arrangements. The meeting brings together the so-called “coalition of the willing,” a group of more than 30 countries that have pledged continued political, military, and strategic support to Ukraine. The talks are taking place at a critical moment, as ceasefire negotiations are believed to be entering a decisive phase. During his visit, Carney is scheduled to…

06 Jan

Chrystia Freeland to Resign as Member of Parliament, Join Zelenskyy as Economic Adviser

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingChrystia Freeland

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) — Canadian Liberal Member of Parliament Chrystia Freeland has announced her intention to vacate her seat in the House of Commons to assume the role of economic development adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On January 5, 2026, Zelenskyy appointed Freeland, citing her extensive experience in implementing economic reforms and attracting investment as crucial for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Freeland, who represents the University-Rosedale constituency in central Toronto, will also relinquish her position as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction. She characterized the advisory role as voluntary, aimed at supporting Ukraine’s economic…

06 Jan

Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In as Venezuela’s Interim President Following U.S. Capture of Maduro

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World News

Caracas (Rajeev Sharma) — Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s former vice president, was officially sworn in as interim president on January 5, 2026, after President Nicolás Maduro was captured by United States forces and flown to New York to face federal charges. The Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled that Rodríguez would assume the presidency to ensure continuity of government and national security. The swearing-in took place before the National Assembly in Caracas, presided over by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the legislature. In her address, Rodríguez condemned the U.S. operation as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, expressed concern for Maduro and…

06 Jan

Devinder Shory Appointed King’s Counsel for Distinguished Legal and Public Service

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaDevinder Shory

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma) — Devinder Shory, founder of Shory Law LLP, has been appointed King’s Counsel (KC), a distinction recognizing excellence, integrity, and sustained contribution within the Canadian legal profession. The King’s Counsel designation is awarded to senior lawyers following a formal review process and acknowledges long-standing professional achievement and public service. Shory immigrated to Canada at 30 and later resumed his legal career at 40 while raising three children. He went on to establish a successful legal practice and serve two terms as Member of Parliament for Northeast Calgary.He also played a key role in community development, serving as…

05 Jan

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Visit India Next Week, Focus on Trade, Defence and Technology Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsFriedrich Merz India visit, India-Germany relations, Narendra Modi Germany talks

New Delhi, January 5, 2026 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will undertake a two-day official visit to India from January 12 to 13, with the trip expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation across key sectors such as trade, investment, defence, technology and clean energy. This will be Merz’s first visit to India since assuming office and comes at a time when New Delhi is working to deepen economic engagement with Europe amid evolving global trade dynamics, including recent tariff-related challenges with the United States. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the German Chancellor will arrive in…

05 Jan

Delhi High Court Refuses to Stay Trial Against Lalu Prasad Yadav in IRCTC Scam Case

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCBI, Delhi High Court, IRCTC Scam, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, RJD, Tejashwi Yadav

New Delhi, January 6, 2026— The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to put a hold on the ongoing trial against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Union railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam case, while seeking a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on his plea challenging the framing of charges. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that no interim relief could be granted without hearing the investigating agency. The court issued notice to the CBI on Yadav’s petition as well as his application seeking a stay on the trial proceedings and…

05 Jan

GRG Act Introduced to Reform MGNREGA for a Developed India: Haryana Chief Minister

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsHaryanaDeveloped India mission, GRG Act, MGNREGA reforms, Nayab Singh Saini, rural employment

Chandigarh, January 5 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that the Developed India–Employment and Livelihood Guarantee Mission (Rural) Act, 2025, also known as the GRG Act, has been introduced to ensure corruption-free rural employment. He stated that the new legislation strengthens rural livelihoods by providing more guaranteed workdays, higher wages, transparent payments, and the creation of sustainable assets. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the GRG Act corrects long-standing shortcomings and corruption issues associated with the earlier MGNREGA framework. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken another major step towards…