Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

05 Sep

PM Mark Carney Joins Global Leaders in Virtual Talks on Security for Ukraine

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Trending

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney took part in a high-level virtual meeting on Tuesday with international partners to discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression. The session was convened under the Coalition of the Willing and co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joining to outline his country’s immediate security concerns. During the meeting, coalition members explored frameworks for ensuring Ukraine’s defense and stability, including sustained military aid and economic support. Leaders also welcomed signals from the United States…

05 Sep

Alberta Launches “Month of the Artist” to Celebrate Local Talent and Creativity

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has officially kicked off Month of the Artist, an annual celebration each September that shines a spotlight on the province’s thriving artistic community. Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir marked the occasion by praising the work of painters, poets, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, and storytellers who, she said, not only bring joy and inspiration but also strengthen Alberta’s cultural identity and economy. “The arts connect communities, tell our stories, and showcase the beauty of Alberta,” Fir noted, highlighting that the sector contributes more than $1.3 billion annually to the province’s GDP and supports…

05 Sep

Canada Sends Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois to China in Push on Canola Trade Barriers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois, will be part of a trade mission to China from September 6 to 9, 2025, joining a Saskatchewan-led delegation headed by Premier Scott Moe. The visit comes at a time when Canadian canola producers continue to face steep challenges due to Chinese tariffs. The delegation will hold talks aimed at easing trade restrictions, with Blois representing the federal government’s pledge to defend farm families, agricultural workers, and exporters. “Canada’s new government is committed to standing with producers and working together across provinces…

04 Sep

Carney Rules Out Scrapping Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Programme Amid Opposition Pressure

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada immigration review, Mark Carney TFW programme, Temporary Foreign Worker permits 2025

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma) — Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Wednesday that Canada will not abolish the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programme, even as opposition parties intensify criticism over its rising numbers and alleged misuse. Speaking ahead of a Cabinet planning meeting in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Carney said the government is reviewing the immigration system but emphasized that the TFW scheme “still has a role.”“We can’t just erase this programme but we can definitely improve it,” Carney said, noting that Canadian businesses rank access to temporary workers as their second-biggest concern after U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald…

04 Sep

India Fight Back to Beat Malaysia 4-1, Move to Top of Asia Cup Super 4s Table

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsIndia vs Malaysia Asia Cup, Men’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025, Super 4s standings

Jakarta , September 4, 2025— A determined India produced a commanding performance on Thursday, overturning an early deficit to defeat Malaysia 4-1 in their second Super 4s match of the Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament. Malaysia stunned India in just the second minute when Shafiq Hassan scored, exposing the Indian defence. But India regrouped quickly and dominated thereafter. Manpreet Singh (17th), Sukhjeet Singh (19th), Shilanand Lakra (24th), and Vivek Sagar Prasad (38th) struck to secure a convincing victory for the hosts. The win lifted India to the top of the Super 4s standings with four points from two games, edging…

04 Sep

PM Modi’s Reforms Empower Women, Uttarakhand CM Dhami Highlights at State Award Ceremony

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAnganwadi Worker Award, PM Modi women reforms, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Teelu Rauteli Award, Uttarakhand women empowerment

Dehradun , September 4, 2025— Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said the state government is committed to women’s empowerment, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently worked for the welfare of women across India.Speaking at the State Street Shakti Teelu Rauteli and Anganwadi Worker Award distribution ceremony for 2024-25, Dhami praised Modi’s “Nari Tu Narayani” mantra and highlighted initiatives like 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi Yojana. He also underlined the abolition of triple talaq as a landmark step in securing social justice…

04 Sep

B.C. Breaks Canadian September Heat Records Amid Worsening Smoke Conditions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBritish Columbia heatwave, Cache Creek 40.8 C, Canada September temperature record, Lytton 40 C

Vancouver (Richa Walia)— British Columbia recorded its highest-ever September temperatures for the second day in a row, as scorching heat and smoky skies gripped the province. Cache Creek set a new national September record on Wednesday at 40.8 C, surpassing the 40 C mark matched by Lytton a day earlier a record previously held by Manitoba. The village, located about 85 kilometres west of Kamloops, was among 16 communities that reported new daily highs. Environment Canada has issued six heat warnings, including for the Fraser Canyon, the Thompson region, Boundary and 100 Mile. At the same time, more than 30…

04 Sep

PM Modi Announces GST 2.0 Reforms, Calls It a ‘Double Dhamaka’ Before Diwali and Chhath

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaGST 2.0, health insurance GST, India economy, PM Modi, tax reforms

New Delhi, September 4, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the rollout of next-generation GST reforms, describing them as a historic step towards making India self-reliant and simplifying tax compliance for citizens. He called the move a “double dhamaka” of happiness ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja.The Prime Minister confirmed that the new GST regime, which he referred to as GST 2.0, will take effect on September 22, coinciding with the first day of Navratri. “Without timely changes, we cannot give our country its rightful place in today’s global situation,” Modi said, recalling his Independence Day speech in…

04 Sep

Supreme Court Pulls Up States Over Flood Devastation, Seeks Reports on Deforestation and Relief Measures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaHimachal deforestation floods, Jammu Kashmir flooding, Punjab flood devastation, Supreme Court floods case, Uttarakhand heavy rains

New Delhi– The Supreme Court on Thursday took suo motu cognizance of the massive destruction caused by torrential rains and flooding across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, issuing notices to all four state governments.A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) observed that the unprecedented monsoon deluge had resulted in extensive loss of lives, agriculture, and infrastructure, warning that unchecked environmental damage may have worsened the crisis. Reports of illegal deforestation were flagged as a possible factor behind the scale of devastation.“We have seen entire fields and villages in Punjab wiped out. Development must be balanced…

04 Sep

Alberta Public Service Workers Ratify Four-Year Deal with Province

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) have concluded a new collective agreement covering members of the Alberta Public Service (APS). The deal, which will run for four years, was endorsed by union members following the acceptance of a mediator’s recommendation. According to officials, the agreement provides stability for the public sector workforce while maintaining compensation levels that remain competitive across Canada. Treasury Board President and Finance Minister Nate Horner welcomed the outcome, noting the lengthy but productive discussions that led to the resolution. “This agreement reflects months of hard work and ensures both…