Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Apr

Prime Minister Mark Carney suspends federal fuel tax to combat war-driven price surge

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAffordability crisis 2026, Canada majority government, Federal fuel tax suspension, Mark Carney

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In his first major policy move after securing a majority government, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax. The decision comes as a direct response to the escalating conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have sent global energy prices to historic highs. The suspension will take effect next Monday and remain in place until Labour Day, September 7, 2026. Carney described the move as a "responsible, temporary measure" aimed at providing immediate relief to Canadian households, truckers, and…

15 Apr

India Plans Emergency Credit Lifeline for Airlines Amid Middle East Disruptions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Rajeev Sharma :- The India government is working on a major relief package to support domestic airlines facing operational and financial strain due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Under the proposed plan, the Centre is expected to roll out an emergency credit programme backed by sovereign guarantees, aimed at easing liquidity pressure in the aviation sector. As per the proposal, airlines would be able to avail loans with partial government guarantees up to a defined limit, enabling easier access to funds from banks. In addition, carriers may be allowed to raise further debt, subject to promoters infusing matching…

15 Apr

Raghav Chadha security: Delhi Police to give interim security to Raghav Chadha as Centre approves Z cover

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, India, Politics, Punjab, TrendingRaghav Chadha

Rajeev Sharma :- The Centre has reportedly approved Z-category security cover to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha following a threat assessment by the Intelligence Bureau, sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said. The security arrangement will be implemented in both Delhi and Punjab, with central paramilitary forces assigned for his protection. Until the central deployment is fully in place, the Delhi Police have been directed to offer immediate security cover. Security Shift After Punjab Withdraws Cover The development comes shortly after the Punjab Government withdrew Chadha’s Z category security, which had earlier been provided by the state police.…

15 Apr

ED raids LPU, other properties across Punjab linked to AAP MP Ashok Mittal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, India, Politics, Punjab, TrendingAAP, Ashok Mittal

Rajeev Sharma :- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple premises linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, including his residence in Jalandhar and offices associated with Lovely Professional University (LPU). The raid is reportedly part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. According to sources, ED teams from Delhi reached the locations early in the morning, around 7.30 am and conducted coordinated searches across at least nine sites, including properties in Gurugram. Security personnel were deployed outside Mittal’s residence, where he was present during the operation. Probe Linked to Alleged Financial Irregularities…

15 Apr

Decade of Drug Deaths: Canada Faces Deepening Crisis as Punjab Battles Smaller but Persistent Challenge

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, Punjab, TrendingCanada, Punjab

Chandigarh/British Columbia (Gurpreet Singh/Rajeev Sharma): A decade-long comparison of overdose fatalities reveals a striking disparity between Canada and Punjab, with Canada confronting a far more extensive and deadly drug epidemic. Since 2016, when British Columbia declared a public health emergency over rising overdose deaths, the country has lost approximately 18,000 people to drug-related causes. The province continues to remain at the centre of the crisis, marking the 10-year milestone with remembrance events and renewed calls for stronger interventions. Community groups such as Moms Stop the Harm and Doctors for Safer Drug Policy have organised public gatherings, awareness drives, and discussions…

15 Apr

Woman Dies After Arrest in Edmonton, Independent Probe Ordered

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingEdmonton

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): An investigation has been launched into the death of a woman following her arrest by the Edmonton Police Service in Edmonton. The incident occurred on March 26, when police responded to reports of a disturbance at a restaurant in the Mill Woods area around 6:30 p.m. Witnesses told officers that the woman was behaving erratically, shouting and alarming customers. Upon spotting police, she reportedly ran to another nearby eatery and locked herself inside a washroom. Officers located and detained her before calling paramedics to assess her condition. However, officials said she did not cooperate with medical personnel…

15 Apr

Alberta Moves to Fast-Track Mega Projects with Proposed 120-Day Approval Law

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The government of Alberta has introduced new legislation aimed at significantly reducing delays in approving large-scale industrial projects, in a bid to strengthen its position in the global investment landscape. The proposed Bill 30, titled the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, seeks to establish a fixed timeline of 120 days for regulatory decisions on projects deemed critical to the province’s economic growth. The move is intended to streamline procedures, cut bureaucratic hurdles, and attract fresh investments, particularly in the energy sector. Under the proposed framework, only projects meeting strict eligibility criteria will qualify for fast-track status. These include…

15 Apr

US-Iran Dialogue Moves Forward, Washington Pushes for Broader Nuclear Agreement

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have injected cautious momentum into stalled negotiations, with American leadership signaling both progress and persistence in pursuit of a long-term deal. US Vice President JD Vance described the recent engagement as a rare and significant development, noting that such direct-level talks between the two nations have not occurred in decades. He acknowledged that decades of strained ties have created deep suspicion on both sides, making any breakthrough a gradual process. Despite the challenges, Vance indicated that discussions were constructive, with both delegations showing interest in finding common ground.…

15 Apr

Fresh Diplomacy Hints Emerge as US-Iran Face-Off Intensifies in Hormuz Region

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Donald Trump has suggested that Washington and Iran may soon return to the negotiating table, even as military pressure mounts in the Gulf. The United States has begun enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, a move that has heightened the standoff around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. Officials say the restrictions aim to disrupt Tehran’s oil trade, a key pillar of its economy. Iran has responded with strong warnings, signalling that it could target regional interests if provoked further. The situation escalated after Trump cautioned that any Iranian warships…

15 Apr

Rohini Blaze Claims Three Lives as Fire Sweeps Through Scrap Yard Settlements

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingDelhi

Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night fire in northwest Delhi turned fatal after three members of a family, including a young child, lost their lives when flames tore through a cluster of shanties inside a warehouse compound in Rohini. The incident took place in the Mangeraam Park area, where temporary shelters had been erected within a plot used for storing scrap and plastic waste. Officials said the fire broke out shortly after midnight and spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials present at the site. Firefighters rushed to the location with multiple tenders and managed to contain the blaze after a…