Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

29 Aug

Himachal’s Monsoon Disaster: Over 300 Lives Lost, Economy Bears Massive Blow

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (National Times): The monsoon season has left a trail of devastation in Himachal Pradesh, where 312 people have died since June 20, according to the latest figures from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). While 160 deaths were directly linked to weather-triggered tragedies like landslides, flash floods, and electrocution, another 152 fatalities occurred in road mishaps worsened by rain-damaged terrain. The calamity has caused unprecedented financial strain, with total losses estimated at Rs 2.75 lakh crore. The destruction spans across roads, power lines, irrigation projects, private property, farms, and livestock, underlining the severe impact on both infrastructure and livelihoods.…

29 Aug

Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc in Chamoli, Families Trapped in Debris

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingChamoli

Chamoli/Rudraprayag: Intense overnight rainfall triggered a cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, leaving two people unaccounted for and several animals buried under mud and rubble. District authorities confirmed that relief teams have arrived at the affected site, though blocked roads across the hilly terrain are slowing down operations. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated that efforts are underway to trace the missing individuals and provide immediate assistance to affected families. The situation was further aggravated by reports of another cloudburst in the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Rudraprayag’s Buskedar tehsil, where debris flows have trapped local residents. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh…

29 Aug

PM Modi Begins Japan Visit, Bilateral Talks with PM Ishiba on Agenda

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, Trending, World NewsJapan, Narendra Modi

Tokyo (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tokyo on Friday, beginning a two-day official visit during which he will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional, and global issues. The Ministry of External Affairs announced Modi’s arrival, stating that the discussions scheduled later today would focus on advancing the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, a relationship that has expanded significantly over the past eleven years. Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, Modi emphasized that the visit would provide an important opportunity to strengthen cultural bonds between the two nations and open…

29 Aug

India Appoints Dinesh K. Patnaik as High Commissioner to Canada Amid Diplomatic Reset

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): India has appointed senior diplomat Dinesh K. Patnaik as its next High Commissioner to Canada, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations that had been strained since 2023. Patnaik, a 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service officer currently serving as Ambassador to Spain, is expected to assume his new role in Ottawa shortly .This diplomatic development coincides with Canada’s decision to appoint veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as its High Commissioner to India, marking a reciprocal effort to restore senior diplomatic representation .The appointments follow a June 2025 meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra…

29 Aug

Fiji’s 55th Independence Day Marked with Cultural Festivities and Fundraiser in Surrey

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Surrey

Surrey (Rajeev Sharna): The local community is set to come together for a vibrant celebration marking the 55th Independence Day, blending culture, cuisine, and entertainment while raising funds for a noble cause. Kamilla Singh told that the event will feature Indian cuisine, live entertainment, door prizes, and music by DJ Shalend, creating an evening of joy and unity. A cash bar will also be available for guests.Adding prestige to the occasion, the Chief Guest Ratu Ilisoni Vuidreketi Fiji’s Ambassador to the United States and Canada, will join community leaders and residents in commemorating the milestone.Tickets are priced at $50 per…

28 Aug

China to Showcase Military Might at Victory Day Parade with Putin and Kim in Attendance

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBeijing parade, China Victory Day 2025, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, World War II, Xi Jinping

National Times Bureau, August 28, 2025: Beijing is preparing a massive military parade on September 3 to mark Japan’s surrender in World War II, with global leaders set to attend. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will join the ceremony, along with 24 other heads of state and government.Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei announced that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik are among the dignitaries expected.The parade, one of China’s largest in recent years, will…

28 Aug

CM Dhami Inaugurates Maa Nanda Devi Mela 2025, Announces Major Boost to Almora’s Culture, Healthcare, and Infrastructure

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAlmora development, Jageshwar Dham, Maa Nanda Devi Mela 2025, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand

National Times Bureau, August 28: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Maa Nanda Devi Mela 2025 of Almora through a virtual medium on Thursday, extending warm greetings to the people of Almora and the entire state. He described the fair as not just a spiritual celebration but also a platform for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and social development. He also announced that preparations for the grand Maa Nanda Raj Jat Yatra 2026 are already underway.The state government has sanctioned ₹146 crore for the beautification of Jageshwar Dham under the Manaskhand Parvat Mala Mission, with the second phase of…

28 Aug

Minister Horner Confirms Progress in Alberta Public Service Negotiations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta Public Service, AUPE, bargaining, mediator recommendation, Nate Horner

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma) : The Alberta government announced progress in negotiations with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) after receiving a mediator’s recommendation to resolve the latest round of bargaining for the Alberta Public Service.President of Treasury Board and Finance Minister Nate Horner confirmed the development, acknowledging months of discussions between the two sides. He thanked the AUPE for its cooperation in working toward a settlement and stressed the government’s appreciation for the contributions of the 22,000 employees represented by the union.Horner expressed optimism that the recommendation would pave the way for ratification, which will now depend on the…

28 Aug

Trump Administration Moves to Limit Student and Media Visas, Revives 2020 Proposal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsGreen Card, H1B, media visa, student visa, Trump administration, US visas

New York/Washington, Aug 28 — The Trump administration has proposed new restrictions on the duration of visas for foreign students and media personnel, reviving a rule first floated in 2020 but withdrawn under President Biden.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the move would end indefinite stays for certain visa categories, particularly the F visa issued to international students. Since 1978, foreign students have been admitted under a “duration of status” clause that allows them to remain in the United States as long as they are enrolled in academic programs, without a set expiry date.The administration argues that the system…

28 Aug

Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Minneapolis Church Shooting; Gunman Leaves Extremist Messages

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newschildren killed, church attack, extremist writings, Minneapolis shooting, US gun violence

Washington, August 28, 2025: A horrific mass shooting during a school prayer gathering inside a Minneapolis church on Wednesday left two young children dead and 17 others injured.Police said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, entered the church with multiple firearms and opened fire on children and worshippers. An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were killed instantly while sitting on church benches. Among the injured were 14 children and three elderly people.The gunman later shot himself in the church parking lot. Authorities confirmed the firearms including a rifle and a pistol were legally purchased. Westman, who was born male as…