Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

16 Jul

Surrey Mayor Faces Fresh Pressure Over Police Chief’s Exit, Calls Grow for Full Disclosure

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingSurrey

Surrey, British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): The controversy surrounding the dismissal of former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski has intensified, with Surrey First councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis demanding complete transparency and opposing any confidentiality agreement linked to the chief's departure. Annis has written to Mayor Brenda Locke and the chair of the Surrey Police Board, urging them not to approve a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that could prevent the public from learning the circumstances surrounding Lipinski's dismissal and the financial details of his severance package. According to Annis, Surrey residents have a right to know how much public money is…

16 Jul

Alberta Announces $1.4 Million Initiative to Strengthen Rangeland Conservation and Grazing Practices

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has unveiled a $1.4-million investment aimed at protecting and improving the province's vast rangelands, with funding directed toward projects that promote sustainable grazing, ecosystem conservation and long-term agricultural productivity. The financial support is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which channels a portion of grazing lease revenues into initiatives designed to preserve the ecological health of Alberta's grasslands while supporting ranchers and local communities. Provincial officials said the program encourages collaboration between researchers, conservation groups, agricultural organizations and local governments to develop practical strategies for managing rangelands more effectively. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd…

16 Jul

Young Achievers and Emerging Artists Receive Alberta’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has celebrated the achievements of some of its most promising young citizens by presenting the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Awards, recognising students and emerging artists for their outstanding contributions to leadership, volunteerism, community service and the arts. The awards were presented during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on July 14, jointly hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alberta government. Eight students from across the province received the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion, an honour that acknowledges exceptional commitment to public service, leadership and community involvement. The award pays tribute to young…

16 Jul

‘Don’t Ask Me to End My Fast, Walk With Me Instead’: Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Peaceful Parliament March

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, Trending

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has intensified his ongoing protest by urging citizens from across the country to participate in a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, saying public participation is more important than appeals for him to end his hunger strike. In a post on X, Wangchuk responded to growing concern over his health, stating that while he was feeling physically weak, his resolve remained firm. "I'm not in good shape but not so bad either," he wrote, asking supporters to stand with the movement rather than persuade him to call off…

16 Jul

Himachal Braces for Wet Spell as Weather System Returns; IMD Warns of Heavy Showers from July 18

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): After enjoying nearly a week of largely dry weather, Himachal Pradesh is preparing for another active phase of the monsoon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall from July 18 onward. Officials have cautioned that the fresh spell could bring intense showers, increasing the possibility of flash floods, landslides and overflowing seasonal streams in vulnerable regions. According to meteorologists, a new Western Disturbance is expected to influence the state from Thursday afternoon, gradually strengthening rainfall activity over the following days. While the weather is likely to remain mostly clear until then, cloud cover is expected…

16 Jul

Argentina Books Consecutive FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Berth After Dramatic Victory Over England

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingArgentina, FIFA World Cup 2026

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Argentina produced another memorable knockout performance, scoring twice in the closing moments to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final. The reigning champions will now have the opportunity to defend their crown against Spain in the tournament's title clash. England looked set to pull off a major upset after Anthony Gordon put his side ahead in the latter stages of the semifinal. With only minutes remaining, the Three Lions appeared to be within touching distance of their first World Cup final in decades. However, Argentina refused to back down. Constant attacking…

15 Jul

Hidden Camera Scandal at FedEx Delta Depot Sparks Outrage

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaDelta BC, employee privacy breach, FedEx depot scandal, hidden camera arrest

Delta BC (Rajeev Sharma): A major privacy breach at a FedEx depot in Delta, British Columbia, has sparked outrage after police arrested a suspect accused of allegedly installing hidden cameras inside the women’s washroom and secretly recording female employees. Investigators also allege that some of the recordings were uploaded to adult websites without the victims’ knowledge or consent. The Delta facility employs a large number of Punjabi women, many of whom are now concerned that their privacy may have been violated. The accused has been released on court-ordered conditions while the police investigation continues. The allegations have not been proven…

15 Jul

OSCAA Organising Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2026 in Calgary on July 19

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary events, community celebration, Jagannath festival, OSCAA, Ratha Yatra

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Odia Social & Cultural Association of Alberta (OSCAA) is organizing the Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2026 on Sunday, July 19, 2026, bringing together the community for a celebration of faith, culture, and universal brotherhood. Dedicated to all cultures and faiths, the festival will showcase the rich traditions of the Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra while promoting unity, harmony, and inclusiveness among Calgary’s diverse communities. The celebration will feature the traditional Chariot Pulling Ceremony, where devotees and community members will participate in this sacred journey, along with vibrant Indian cultural performances and free Satwik Prasad for attendees. The…

15 Jul

Alberta, Quebec Partner to Expand AI Use in Government, Focus on Faster Public Services

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Quebec

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and Quebec have announced a new interprovincial partnership to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in government, with both provinces aiming to improve public services, modernize operations and reduce costs through shared innovation. The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will allow the two provinces to collaborate on AI policy, governance, workforce training and digital transformation. Officials say the initiative is intended to help governments deliver services more efficiently while ensuring responsible implementation of emerging technologies. Under the pact, Alberta's Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish joined Quebec's Minister of Cybersecurity and…

15 Jul

Alberta Announces Additional $16 Million to Expand Support for Family Violence Survivors

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has unveiled a fresh investment of $16 million to strengthen services for people affected by family violence, aiming to improve access to support programs and help agencies better respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals across the province. The funding comes on top of the $62 million previously committed toward family violence initiatives and will be channelled through the Emergency Family Violence Services program. According to the government, nearly $15 million will be directed into three new funding streams designed to enhance community-based services, while more than $700,000 has been earmarked to help family…