Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

26 Jun

“Daddy”: Donald Trump Gets Unusual Nickname from NATO Chief Amid Israel-Iran Ceasefire Talks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, NATO

The Hague (National Times): In an unexpected moment of levity during the tense backdrop of the Israel-Iran ceasefire negotiations, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte gave US President Donald Trump a surprising new nickname: “Daddy.” The moniker emerged during a NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday, where Rutte praised Trump’s role in mediating the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, comparing the situation to a schoolyard brawl that needed firm intervention. “They’ve had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard,” President Trump said, referring to the two long-time rivals. “You know, they fight like hell. You can’t stop them.…

26 Jun

Canada Reaffirms NATO Commitment, Pledges Defence Build-Up: PM Mark Carney

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Mark Carney, NATO

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a firm reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to global security, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada and its NATO allies have renewed their united pledge to the Alliance and to collective defence, amid growing international tensions. Carney, in an official statement, declared that Canada would step up its role within NATO by enhancing military capabilities, fortifying infrastructure, and increasing overall defence readiness. “Canada and our NATO Allies have renewed our commitment to the Alliance and to our collective security. We will build up the forces, infrastructure, and defence readiness that this hinge moment demands, with Canadian…

26 Jun

Axiom-4 Mission: What the Crew Will Do En Route to the ISS

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnology, Trending, World NewsAxiom 4 Mission

Cape Canaveral (National Times): Following a flawless liftoff and separation, the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is now en route to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, named Grace. The 28.5-hour journey to the orbital outpost marks a pivotal phase in private space exploration, during which the crew undertakes several critical tasks before docking. Precision Navigation En Route As part of the activation and rendezvous phase, the Dragon capsule will execute a sequence of orbital burns designed to gradually align the vehicle with the ISS gradually. These precision manoeuvres are crucial for ensuring a successful autonomous docking with the…

25 Jun

Canada Probes Entry of Suspected Iranian Officials Amid Heightened Scrutiny

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Iran entry ban, CBSA Iranian officials probe, IRGC Canada terrorism

Ottawa, June 25, 2025 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed it is investigating dozens of cases involving suspected Iranian regime officials who may have entered the country despite Canada’s official ban on senior Iranian figures.This sweeping review was launched after several individuals suspected to be connected to Iran’s government, including those potentially linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were found to have crossed into Canadian territory. As of now, 115 cases have been flagged. Of these, 49 have been closed either because the individuals are no longer in Canada or because they were found not…

25 Jun

Three Missing After Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Himachal’s Kullu District

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaGadsa Valley, Himachal Pradesh flash flood, Kullu cloudburst

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), June 25, 2025 — At least three people have gone missing following intense cloudbursts that struck Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Tuesday night, triggering flash floods in several areas. The most affected zone was the remote Gadsa Valley, where gushing waters swept away homes, roads, and vehicles.The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that the sudden downpour led to massive surges in rivulets and nullahs, particularly impacting the Chanaun panchayat, where three individuals were reported missing. A large number of houses were damaged, and local infrastructure, including roads and power lines, suffered substantial disruption.Rescue operations are in…

25 Jun

CBSE Class 10 Exams to Be Held Twice a Year from 2025-26 Academic Session

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCBSE 2025-26 reforms, CBSE board exams twice a year, Class 10 new exam policy

New Delhi, June 25, 2025 — In a major shift aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students of Class 10 will now be allowed to appear for board exams twice a year, starting from the 2025–26 academic session.The announcement, released on the official CBSE website, stated that the two-phase board examination system will help reduce pressure on students by giving them a second chance to improve their scores. It also aligns with the board’s aim to promote continuous and holistic assessment.According to the CBSE notification, the first phase…

25 Jun

Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Pilot Private Mission to ISS

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnology, World NewsAxiom Mission 4, India ISS astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, SpaceX Falcon 9

New Delhi/Kennedy Space Center, June 25, 2025: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history by becoming the first Indian to pilot a commercial spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), lifting off aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft as part of the Axiom Mission 4.Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST, the mission includes three other astronauts: mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski from Poland, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS on June 26 after a 28-hour journey.Shukla, a decorated test pilot from the Indian…

25 Jun

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Faints During Emotional Reunion at Kumaon University

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaJagdeep Dhankhar faints, Kumaon University Golden Jubilee, Vice President

Nainital, June 25, 2025 — Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar fainted on stage during a public event at Kumaon University’s Golden Jubilee celebration, causing brief panic before he was revived and safely escorted away.Dhankhar had just delivered a nearly 45-minute speech as the chief guest at the ceremony when he descended from the dais and warmly hugged Dr Mahendra Singh Pal, a former parliamentary colleague from 1989. The emotional moment became tense when Dhankhar suddenly collapsed into Pal’s arms.Medical teams rushed in immediately and managed to revive him within minutes. He was promptly taken to Raj Bhavan in Nainital under the…

25 Jun

City of Calgary Introduces New Bylaws for Weapon Display

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCalgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The City of Calgary has enacted updated bylaws to restrict the public display and use of weapons, including replicas, across public spaces and transit systems. The move comes in response to growing public safety concerns and a rise in incidents involving visible or discharged projectile weapons. Under the new regulations, individuals are prohibited from carrying or displaying any weapon, real or imitation, on Calgary Transit vehicles and in public areas. The ban includes BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft rifles, slingshots, knives, crossbows, and other projectile-based or bladed objects. “This is about protecting the public and sending a…

24 Jun

Canada Questions Timeline for NATO’s Defence Spending Target Amid Push for 5% GDP Commitment

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada5% GDP target, Anita Anand NATO summit, Canada NATO defence spending

Ottawa/The Hague, June 24, 2025 — As NATO allies push for a significant boost in defence spending amid global tensions, Canada has signaled support in principle but raised concerns over the timeline to meet the proposed target. Foreign Minister Anita Anand, speaking from The Hague during the NATO summit, said while Canada agrees with increased investment in defence, the deadline for achieving a proposed 5% of GDP remains “up for debate.”The proposed target—nearly double the longstanding 2% commitment—has been endorsed by the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany in response to escalating threats in Europe, the Middle East, and Indo-Pacific. However,…