Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

13 Jul

Bangkok Nightclub Inferno Claims 27 Lives; Survivors Recall Panic as Smoke Engulfed Venue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsBangkok

Bangkok (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night fire at a crowded entertainment venue in Bangkok turned into a major tragedy after at least 27 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries, Thai officials confirmed on Monday. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine what sparked the blaze. The incident occurred shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub, where customers had gathered for live music and weekend celebrations. Witnesses said the atmosphere changed within seconds as smoke began filling the venue, triggering panic among those inside. According to preliminary findings, the fire may have originated near the electrical system…

13 Jul

Global Oil Markets Rally Amid Renewed Gulf Tensions; Traders Eye Hormuz Shipping Risks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsHormuz

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Crude oil prices registered a sharp increase on Monday as investors reacted to the latest military developments involving the United States and Iran, reigniting concerns over the security of energy supplies from the Gulf. The renewed escalation has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz under the spotlight, with traders fearing that any disruption to shipping could tighten global crude availability. During early trading, Brent crude moved close to the $80-per-barrel mark, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also advanced by more than four per cent. The gains came after reports of fresh US military strikes targeting…

13 Jul

Brief Monsoon Pause in Himachal Pradesh as Weather Turns Stable; Rain Likely to Return Next Week

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is set to witness a temporary reduction in rainfall over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting only scattered light showers until the middle of the week. The respite comes after an active spell of monsoon showers that pushed the state's rainfall figures well above the seasonal average. The weather office has not issued any rain alert for any district between July 13 and July 16, indicating relatively stable conditions across most regions. Skies are expected to remain partly cloudy, while isolated areas may receive brief spells of light rain. Meteorologists said…

13 Jul

Monsoon Activity Eases Across Punjab; Rain Forecast Limited to Select Areas, Rescue Efforts Continue for Missing Boys

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingPunjab

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): After days of active monsoon conditions, Punjab is witnessing a brief lull in rainfall, though isolated showers are expected to continue in parts of the state. Weather officials have indicated that widespread rain is unlikely over the coming days, with humid conditions set to dominate until the monsoon regains strength later this month. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rainfall is likely in several districts on Monday, particularly in northern and central Punjab. Areas including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Mohali may witness brief…

13 Jul

Fresh US-Iran Military Exchange Deepens Gulf Crisis; Tehran Says Prospects for Dialogue Have Diminished

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsTehran

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A new round of military action between the United States and Iran has further heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Tehran accusing Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts after American strikes reportedly left one person dead and several others injured. Iranian officials said the latest attack targeted an agricultural pumping station in the city of Mahshahr, describing the strike as an unjustified escalation. The government maintained that repeated military operations by the US have significantly weakened the possibility of resolving differences through negotiations. The fresh confrontation unfolded against the backdrop of growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz,…

12 Jul

Portage College Calgary Graduates Seek Answers After PGWP Refusals

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A growing number of international graduates in Alberta are raising concerns after receiving Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) refusals, creating uncertainty for students who say they completed their studies with the expectation of gaining Canadian work experience after graduation. Students involved in the matter say approximately 250 graduates may have been affected, although this figure has not been independently verified. The concerns involve graduates from programs connected with Portage College Calgary and partner campus locations in Alberta. Several students say their PGWP applications were refused after they completed their studies, and they are now seeking clarity regarding the…

11 Jul

GMCH Chandigarh Gets NMC Approval to Increase MBBS Seats from 150 to 200

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingGMCH Chandigarh

Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): In a major boost to medical education in the region, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted approval to Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, for enhancement of its annual MBBS intake from 150 to 200 seats with effect from the Academic Session 2026–27. The approval marks a significant milestone in GMCH Chandigarh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen undergraduate medical education and expand access to quality medical training. With the addition of 50 MBBS seats, a larger number of aspiring medical students will now have the opportunity to pursue medical education at one of North India’s premier…

11 Jul

Alberta’s New ID Card Rollout Sparks Registry Meltdown, Long Waits Leave Albertans Frustrated

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, Trending

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s rollout of a new driver’s licence and identification card system has led to growing frustration among residents and registry operators, with long lineups and extended wait times being reported at registry offices across the province. Since the new cards were introduced on July 2, many Albertans have found routine services taking much longer than expected, prompting calls for the provincial government to improve the system. Registry operators say the new identification system requires additional verification of documents, including proof of legal entitlement to remain in Canada for eligible applicants and, in many cases, confirmation of…

11 Jul

Woman’s Courage and Passengers’ Quick Action Save Husband During Mid-Air Window Failure at 30,000 Feet

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsGreece

Thessaloniki, Greece ( National Times Bureau): A frightening mid-air emergency turned into a remarkable story of courage and teamwork after a passenger aircraft suffered a sudden cabin decompression at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet. The incident occurred on a Ryanair-operated flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, when a passenger window became dislodged shortly after takeoff, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing. According to reports, a 61-year-old passenger seated beside the damaged window was partially pulled toward the opening by the force of the rapid decompression. In a courageous act, his wife immediately grabbed his legs and…

11 Jul

Kerala Toddler Dies After Minor Procedure; Police Register Case Against Anaesthetist

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingKerala

Kannur (Rajeev Sharma): An 18-month-old child from Kerala, who had been battling for life after undergoing anaesthesia for treatment of a minor lip injury, has died at a hospital in Kannur. The incident has sparked concerns over the circumstances surrounding the medical procedure, with police initiating legal action against the doctor who administered the anaesthetic. The toddler, Devansh Shouria, had reportedly suffered a cut on his lip after falling while playing at home. His parents rushed him to a private hospital in Payyannur, where doctors decided to stitch the wound under anaesthesia. Shortly after the anaesthetic was administered, the child’s…