Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

03 Sep

CHCC and Gujarat Join Hands to Unlock New Trade, Investment Opportunities

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCHCC

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) has strengthened its commitment to expanding Canada–India economic cooperation following a meaningful and productive interaction with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, and the Vibrant Gujarat delegation in Toronto. The high-level roundtable provided a valuable platform for discussions on practical opportunities to deepen economic ties between Canada and Gujarat, with a focus on business-to-business partnerships, trade and investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and institutional collaboration. CHCC was represented by its senior leadership, including Maharshi Jani, National President; Nareshkumar Chavda, Chair, Board of Trustees; and Dr. Rakesh Kantaria, Secretary. The…

02 Sep

Drones Become Lifelines in Flood-Hit Nepal, Carrying Supplies and Even Bodies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsNepal

Kathmandu (Rajeev Sharma): As devastating floods continue to disrupt parts of Nepal, drones are taking on an increasingly important role in rescue and relief operations, reaching places where damaged roads, collapsed bridges and dangerous terrain have prevented rescuers from travelling safely. In one of the most unusual missions reported this week, drones were used to transport seven bodies from Devighat-3 in Nuwakot to Devighat-5. The area was considered too difficult and hazardous for rescue teams to access directly. The operation involved personnel from the Nepal Police, Nepal Army and drone manufacturer GarudX, highlighting how unmanned aircraft are being incorporated into…

02 Sep

Punjabi-Origin Man Identified as Victim in Calgary Shooting

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Calgary police have identified the man who died following a shooting in the city on August 30, with authorities confirming that his death is being treated as a homicide. Police released the victim’s identity as part of their investigation into the incident. The victim was of Punjabi origin, according to the information available. The shooting prompted a police response, with investigators working to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident and determine what led to the death. Authorities have classified the case as a homicide, indicating that the death is being investigated as a criminal matter. Further details…

02 Sep

Alberta Voters Face New Rules as Referendum Special Ballots Begin Mailing

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Elections Alberta has started mailing special ballot packages to voters ahead of the province’s October 19, 2026, referendum, while reminding Albertans that several voting procedures have changed since the 2023 provincial election. The agency said it has received about 225,000 special ballot requests, nearly four times the 59,589 requests recorded during the 2023 Provincial General Election. Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure is urging voters who plan to vote by mail to apply early and return their completed packages as soon as possible. Elections Alberta must receive special ballots by 5 p.m. on October 16. Changes voters should know Amendments to…

02 Sep

Alberta Announces Record $10.8 Billion Education Investment as Students Return to Class

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta students are heading back to school with the province announcing a record $10.8 billion investment in education aimed at hiring more teachers, expanding classroom support and creating additional student spaces. The funding represents an increase of more than seven per cent and comes as Alberta's school system continues to experience rapid enrolment growth. Nearly 90,000 additional students have entered the province's schools over the past four years, putting pressure on classrooms and existing resources. Premier Danielle Smith said the latest investment responds to concerns raised by parents and teachers about the need for additional support in schools. More teachers and classroom…

02 Sep

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma Makes History as First Woman Non-Medical Officer to Reach Rank

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingShakti Sharma

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has marked a significant milestone in the history of India’s Armed Forces by becoming the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal. Sharma has taken charge as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education), adding another landmark achievement to her career spanning nearly three decades of service. Her elevation is being viewed as an important moment for women in the armed forces and a reflection of the expanding role of women in leadership positions within India’s defence…

02 Sep

Canada Raises Financial Requirement for New International Students, Shrinks Immigration Pathways

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has tightened the rules for new international students, increasing the amount of money applicants must demonstrate for living expenses while also placing limits on the number of temporary residents entering the country. The changes are expected to create additional challenges for students from Punjab who are planning to pursue education in Canada. From September 1, students applying for study permits outside Quebec must now demonstrate access to $23,448 for living expenses, compared with the previous requirement of $22,895. Applicants must also show that they can cover their tuition fees and travel costs. The changes come as…

02 Sep

Fifth Indian Air Force Aircraft Heads to Nepal With Rescue Team and Medical Supplies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsNepal

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Nepal, with a fifth Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft departing for the neighbouring country carrying a specialised rescue team and essential medical supplies. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the aircraft is transporting an 11-member rescue team equipped with specialised equipment, along with 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines. The latest deployment is part of India’s ongoing rescue and relief operations in Nepal. The aircraft, an IAF C-130J, has been tasked with delivering relief materials while also carrying personnel involved in rescue and humanitarian operations. The mission comes as…

02 Sep

Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Death Toll Climbs to 259, Damage Crosses Rs 1,200 Crore

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh has recorded 259 deaths during the ongoing monsoon season, with losses to public and private property estimated at more than Rs 1,200 crore, according to figures released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). The data covers the 64-day period from June 30 to September 1 and highlights the severe impact of rain-related disasters and road accidents across the hill state. Of the total fatalities, 106 were linked to incidents triggered by heavy rain and other natural disasters. Landslides claimed 18 lives, while 13 people died after being swept away or drowning. Road accidents emerged…

02 Sep

Sonu Sood Reaches Flood-Affected Trishuli Bazar With Relief Support

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, TrendingSonu Sood

Kathmandu (Rajeev Sharma): Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has travelled to Trishuli Bazar to meet communities affected by the recent flash floods and extend relief assistance to families facing the aftermath of the disaster. Sood arrived in Kathmandu yesterday with relief materials intended for people affected by the flooding. From the capital, he travelled to one of the areas that has suffered significant impact from the sudden rise in floodwaters. His visit to Trishuli Bazar brought him closer to residents dealing with the disruption and losses caused by the floods. The actor’s decision to visit the affected area personally has also…