Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

24 Feb

Canada Tightens Immigration Rules, Granting Border Officials More Power

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada immigration, Indian students, SDS visa, student visas, work permits

Ottawa, February 24, 2025 – Canada has introduced new immigration regulations that give border officials expanded authority to cancel study and work permits under specific conditions. The move, which took effect on January 31, could impact thousands of Indian students, workers, and tourists.The changes come months after Canada suspended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, a fast-track process that benefited many Indian students. With stricter oversight now in place, concerns are growing over potential visa delays, financial losses, and rising uncertainty among foreign nationals. New Rules Grant Border Officers More Control The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations have been…

24 Feb

Over 170,000 Canadians Sign Petition to Revoke Elon Musk’s Citizenship

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Canadian citizenship, DOGE, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, petition

Ottawa, February 24, 2025 – A Canadian parliamentary petition demanding the revocation of Elon Musk’s citizenship has gained massive traction, with over 170,000 signatures as of Sunday. The petition, initiated by British Columbia author Qualia Reed and sponsored by New Democrat MP Charlie Angus, accuses Musk of engaging in activities that threaten Canada’s national interests due to his advisory role in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk’s Role in Trump’s Government Sparks Controversy The controversy stems from Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly created U.S. advisory body tasked with streamlining federal operations and reducing national…

24 Feb

WHO and Encephalitis International Warn of Growing Global Threat

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsHealthEncephalitis, Global Concern, health, WHO

February 24, 2025: The World Health Organization (WHO) and Encephalitis International have launched a critical Technical Brief on Encephalitis in London, identifying the condition as an urgent global public health priority. The report highlights the increasing burden of encephalitis worldwide and calls for immediate action in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Why Encephalitis is a Growing Concern Encephalitis is a life-threatening brain inflammation that can result from infections (such as Japanese Encephalitis and Scrub Typhus) or autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or location, often leading to severe…

24 Feb

Healthy Ramadan: Dietitian Recommends Weight Loss Drink for Iftar

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestyleHealthy Lifestyle, Ramadan, Weight loss drink

(National Times Bureau), February 24, 2025: The holy month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, fasting, and self-improvement. While many enjoy traditional sugary drinks and desserts during Iftar, health experts suggest healthier alternatives to support digestion, energy, and weight loss. A Nutritious Iftar Drink Dr. Amina Hassan, a consultant dietician, recently shared a weight-loss detox drink recipe. According to her, this drink is a zero-calorie alternative to sugary beverages and can help shed 4-5 kilos when combined with a balanced diet.Ingredients:Cucumber slicesChia seedsCarrotsLemonGingerBeetrootHow to Prepare:1. Soak all ingredients in water for 2-3 hours.2. Consume during non-fasting hours for…

24 Feb

Meta Boosts Executive Bonuses Amid Layoffs, Plans New India Campus

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnologyExecutive Bonuses, Facebook, Layoffs, Meta

(National Times Bureau), February 24, 2025: Meta is under fire after announcing higher bonuses for executives while simultaneously laying off 3,600 employees. In a corporate filing on February 20, the tech giant revealed it had approved an increase in the target bonus percentage for its top executives. Double the Bonus for Executives Previously, Meta’s executive officers had a target bonus of 75% of their base salary. Under the new plan, they can now receive up to 200% of their salary, as reported by CNBC. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not included in this new bonus structure. Layoffs Despite Growth The…

24 Feb

Diljit Dosanjh’s Mantra for Moving On: “Tension Mitran Nu Hai Ni”

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainmentBorder 2, Diljit Dosanjh, Mantra, Punjab 95

(National Times Bureau), February 24, 2025: Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has once again won hearts with his signature mix of humor and wisdom. Taking to Instagram, he shared a series of stylish pictures, dressed in an all-black outfit with an Ushanka hat, striking poses along a scenic tree-lined pathway.His caption? A life mantra in true Diljit style:"Life is too short to explain… Just say ‘TENSION MITRAN NU HAI NI’ and move on.”Fans loved the relatable and carefree attitude, flooding his post with laughter and admiration. Coffee, Comedy & Conversations On February 22, Diljit continued his social media charm by expressing…

24 Feb

Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Hopes Dim for Eight Trapped Workers as Rescue Efforts Continue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Telangana (National Times): The rescue mission to save eight trapped workers inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana enters its third day, with authorities fearing that the chances of survival are extremely low. Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Monday acknowledged the grim situation, stating that despite ongoing efforts, the possibility of bringing out the trapped individuals alive is very remote. “To be frank, their survival is highly unlikely. I was personally at the site, just 50 meters from the collapse, and we could see that mud has filled nearly the entire tunnel. Even after shouting…

24 Feb

Finance Ministry Clarifies USAID Funds Used for Development, Not Politics

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingUSAID Funds

New Delhi (National Times): A recent report from the Finance Ministry of India has dismissed allegations that USAID funds were used for political activities, confirming that the $750 million assistance from the US was allocated only for government-led development projects in 2023-24. The report, released under the leadership of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, details that USAID is currently implementing seven projects in partnership with the Indian government, focusing on agriculture, food security, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, water sanitation (WASH), disaster management, and healthcare. "As per the Finance Ministry’s annual report, USAID funds have been strictly utilized for projects aligned with…

24 Feb

Supreme Court Rejects Bail for Repeat Juvenile Offender, Orders Swift Trial

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingSupreme Court

New Delhi (National Times): In a firm stance against juvenile delinquency, the Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to a minor implicated in four identical criminal cases, citing his habitual criminal behavior as a serious concern. The bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan remarked that the accused had become a repeat offender and could not exploit his age to escape legal consequences. "He is incorrigible! Just incorrigible," the Court observed, highlighting the gravity of the charges. The Court also criticized the misuse of juvenile laws, stating, "In the name of being a juvenile, he cannot continue looting…

24 Feb

Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Ukraine as War Marks Three Years

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld News3 years of war, Drone Attack, Russia- Ukraine War

Kyiv, February 24, 2025 – On the eve of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine faced its largest drone attack yet, with Moscow launching a record 267 strike drones overnight, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Massive Assault with Drones and Missiles Zelenskyy described the unprecedented attack as “the largest since Iranian drones began hitting Ukrainian cities and villages.”Ukraine’s air force reported that 138 drones were intercepted across 13 regions.Another 119 drones disappeared en route to their targets, raising concerns about jamming tactics or new Russian strategies.Three ballistic missiles were also fired, with one fatality reported in Kryvyi…