Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Jul

Alberta to Build Seven New Schools as Student Population Continues to Rise

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has announced the construction of seven new schools across Edmonton, Calgary and Chestermere in a move aimed at expanding classroom capacity and meeting the demands of the province's rapidly increasing student population. The upcoming projects, which are expected to begin construction shortly, will add more than 6,100 student spaces through a mix of elementary and junior high schools. The initiative is part of the province's broader effort to strengthen educational infrastructure in fast-growing communities. Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the investment is intended to ensure that families have access to modern schools located closer to…

15 Jul

Alberta Panel Invites Public Feedback on Lobbying Law Review

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future has opened a public consultation as part of its ongoing review of the province’s Lobbyists Act, encouraging residents to share their views on how lobbying activities should be regulated. Albertans can submit written comments until 12 noon on August 17, 2026, either through the online portal on the Legislative Assembly’s website or via email. The committee has clarified that submissions, along with the names of contributors, may be made publicly available during the review process. The Lobbyists Act governs interactions between lobbyists and public office holders in Alberta. Its primary…

15 Jul

Plumbing Contractor Penalised After Worker Dies in Trench Collapse

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A plumbing contracting company has been ordered to pay a total of $330,000 after a worker lost his life in a trench collapse at a construction site in Calgary, underscoring the importance of workplace safety compliance. According to court proceedings, Mr. Mike’s Plumbing Ltd. admitted guilt to one violation under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to ensure the safety of one of its employees. The company entered its guilty plea before the Calgary Court of Justice on July 13, while prosecutors withdrew ten additional charges linked to the case. The prosecution stemmed from…

15 Jul

Rising Temperatures Replace Rain in Himachal, Weather Shift Expected Later This Week

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): A temporary pause in monsoon activity has brought warmer and more humid conditions back to Himachal Pradesh, with daytime temperatures climbing noticeably across several districts. While residents continue to experience clear skies, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rainfall will return towards the end of the week. Meteorological officials said the state is currently witnessing a weak phase of the southwest monsoon, resulting in limited rainfall over the past few days. As a result, temperatures have risen steadily, particularly in the lower hills and plains. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 36.2 degrees Celsius,…

15 Jul

US FBI Seeks Punjab-Origin Man in Global Organised Crime Investigation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsFBI, Punjab, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public notice identifying Nitish Kaushal as a wanted individual in connection with an alleged international criminal syndicate believed to have operated across multiple countries. In a post shared by the agency, the FBI alleged that Kaushal is associated with a transnational organisation that reportedly began in Punjab, India, before expanding its activities to several overseas locations, including California in the United States. Investigators claim the network is suspected of involvement in a wide range of serious offences, including homicide, abduction, drug distribution, extortion, illegal arms trafficking, money laundering…

15 Jul

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Clinical Spain Outclass France to Book FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Spot

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA World Cup 2026, France, Spain

Spain (Rajeev Sharma): Spain delivered another composed performance on the biggest stage, defeating France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final to seal a place in the tournament's final. The victory in Arlington, Texas, underlined Spain's growing dominance over their European rivals, having now defeated France in three successive major knockout encounters. The breakthrough came in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the area. Spain maintained control throughout the opening period, dictating possession and preventing France from finding rhythm in attack. France's evening became more complicated when defender…

14 Jul

‘Everything Happened Within Minutes’: Vietnam Boat Crash Survivor Recalls Terrifying Moments Before Tragedy

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World News

Chennai (Rajeev Sharma): A survivor of the Vietnam speedboat accident that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists has described the terrifying moments when a routine island transfer turned into a disaster within minutes. Nirmal Kumar, who returned to Chennai on July 13 night, said the boat overturned shortly after beginning its journey near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island. He recalled that a sudden, powerful wave caused the vessel to lose balance, leaving several passengers trapped inside. The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it capsized on July 11. While 16…

14 Jul

Alberta, Ottawa and Oilsands Producers Sign Deal to Expand Production and Advance Carbon Capture Project

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, Ontario, TrendingAlberta, Ottawa

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government, the federal government and Canada’s largest oilsands producers have reached a new agreement aimed at boosting oil production while accelerating development of a major carbon capture and storage initiative. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed between Alberta, Canada and the five-member Oil Sands Alliance, establishes a framework to expand oilsands output needed to support the proposed West Coast oil pipeline while advancing the Pathways carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. The provincial government described the agreement as a significant step toward attracting investment, reducing emissions and strengthening Alberta’s energy sector. Officials said the partnership is…

14 Jul

Alberta Launches Regulated Online Gaming Market With Stronger Player Protection Rules

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has officially launched its regulated online iGaming market, introducing new oversight measures designed to provide safer gambling options and strengthen protections for players across the province. The new framework begins operations with 22 registered online gaming sites, offering Albertans a legal alternative to previously available unregulated platforms. The province said the regulated system aims to improve accountability, promote responsible gaming and ensure operators follow strict standards for consumer protection. For years, online gambling services operated in Alberta without a provincial regulatory structure, leaving many players exposed to platforms with limited safeguards. Before the launch of the…

14 Jul

Alberta Report Highlights Lower Oilsands Emissions Intensity Ahead of National Environment Meeting

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s oilsands sector has recorded a significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions intensity while increasing production levels, according to a new provincial report released ahead of a national meeting of environment ministers. The annual Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Report shows that emissions produced per barrel of oilsands output have fallen by 28 per cent compared with previous levels. At the same time, oilsands production reached more than 3.3 million barrels per day in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 1.7 million barrels per day since 2012. The findings are set to be presented by Alberta…