Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Mar

Leaders Across Political Spectrum Extend Warm Wishes to Citizens on Holi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaHoli 2025, Holi wishes, PM Modi Holi message, President Murmu Holi greeting, Rahul Gandhi

Several prominent leaders from different political parties and government offices have extended their heartfelt wishes to the citizens of India on the occasion of Holi, emphasizing the festival’s message of unity, joy, and cultural richness.PM Modi Highlights Unity and EnergyPrime Minister Narendra Modi shared his greetings with the nation, stating, "I wish you all a very Happy Holi. This festival filled with joy and happiness will infuse new enthusiasm and energy in everyone's life and will also deepen the colours of unity among the countrymen." His message underlined the importance of harmony and collective spirit during the festival.President Murmu's Message…

13 Mar

Seventeen Naxalites, Including High-Ranking Leaders, Surrender in Chhattisgarh

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBijapur, Chhattisgarh, CRPF, Maoist, Naxalites surrender

Bijapur, March 13, 2025 – Seventeen Naxalites, including nine with a combined bounty of Rs 24 lakh, surrendered in Bijapur district on Thursday, citing disappointment with Maoist ideology and growing pressure from security forces.The cadres, including a couple, laid down arms before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials. According to Bijapur Senior Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav, they were disillusioned by the "hollow and inhuman" Maoist ideology and the exploitation of tribals by senior cadres. They were also influenced by the ‘Niya Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) scheme, which has been improving infrastructure and basic amenities in…

13 Mar

Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on European Wine and Spirits Over EU Whisky Tariff

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsEU tariffs, European wine, trade war, Trump, US-EU relations, whisky

Washington, March 13, 2025 – US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the United States would impose a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits if the European Union proceeds with its planned tariff on American whisky, set to take effect on April 1.In a social media post, Trump accused the EU of unfair trade practices. "The EU is one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States," he wrote.Trump made it clear that if the whisky tariff isn’t…

13 Mar

Putin Backs US Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine but Seeks to Address Conflict’s Root Causes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsPutin, Russia-Ukraine war, Trump, Ukraine ceasefire, US proposal

Moscow, March 13, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia supports the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stressed that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict to ensure lasting peace."We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," Putin told reporters at a Kremlin press conference. However, he emphasized that the ceasefire must create a foundation for long-term stability. "This cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis," he said, as reported by Reuters. Background and Current Situation The war between Russia and Ukraine began…

13 Mar

President Approves FIR Against Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in ₹1,300 Crore Delhi Classroom Scam

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia300 crore scam, AAP, Delhi classroom scam, Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, ₹1

New Delhi, March 13, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu has approved the registration of an FIR against senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain over an alleged ₹1,300 crore scam linked to the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools, sources said.The case stems from a 2022 report by the Delhi government's vigilance directorate, which recommended a probe into suspected irregularities. The report was submitted to the Chief Secretary after initial investigations pointed to large-scale financial mismanagement. Central Vigilance Commission’s Findings The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) flagged the issue in a report dated February 17, 2020. It highlighted "glaring…

13 Mar

Two men are facing charges after allegedly stealing around $200,000 from a Calgary cricket league

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary Cricket League, Fraud

Calgary, March 13, 2025 ( Rajeev Sharma): According to the Calgary Police Services ( CPS), they began investigating in 2017 when the newly appointed president of the Calgary & District Cricket League (C&DCL) noticed issues with the league’s financial records. After finding a number of discrepancies during an internal review, the league’s president called reported the concerns to police. Police say their investigation found the former treasurer and former president of the C&DCL stole around $200,000 between January 2014 and December 2016 through cheque payments to construction businesses the pair had connections. Police said that funds were allegedly misappropriated through…

12 Mar

The Bank of Canada (BoC) lowered its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBank Of Canada, Interest rates, Lowered

Calgary, March 12, 2025( Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian economy ended 2024 in good shape. Inflation has been close to the 2% target since last summer. Substantial cuts to our policy rate through the second half of last year boosted household spending and economic growth. However, in recent months, the pervasive uncertainty created by continuously changing US tariff threats has shaken business and consumer confidence. This is restraining household spending intentions and businesses’ plans to hire and invest. Against this backdrop, and with inflation near the 2% target, Governing Council decided to reduce the policy rate a further 25 basis points.…

12 Mar

Indian Soldier Injured in Suspected Sniper Attack Along LoC in Rajouri

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndian soldier injured, LoC firing, Rajouri sniper attack

Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir – March 12, 2025 – An Indian Army soldier was injured in a suspected sniper attack along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kalsian sector of Nowshera, Rajouri district, on Wednesday morning. The attack has heightened tensions in the region, prompting a swift response from the Indian Army. Attack and Immediate Response The soldier was stationed at a forward post when he was struck by a sniper bullet, allegedly fired from across the border. Fellow soldiers immediately provided first aid before the injured soldier was airlifted to the Command Hospital in Udhampur for advanced medical…

12 Mar

Government Introduces Major Changes to Passport Rules, Birth Certificate Now Mandatory

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBirth Certificate, New Passport Guidelines, Passport Color Coding, Passport Rules

New Delhi – March 12, 2025 – The Central Government has announced significant changes to passport rules, aiming to streamline the application process and enhance security. The new regulations, which come into effect from October 1, 2023, introduce stricter documentation requirements and a revamped passport design. Birth Certificate Now Mandatory for New Applicants Under the updated rules, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must present a valid birth certificate when applying for a passport. The certificate must be issued by the local municipal corporation, the registrar of births and deaths, or any authority recognized under the Registration of…

11 Mar

Calgary Airport to consolidate screening into faster, more convenient security checkpoints

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary Airport, CATSA+, centralized screening, CT X-Ray, efficient screening, faster screening, security checkpoints, YYC

Calgary, Match 11, 2025, (National Times) : Construction is underway at the YYC Calgary International Airport Domestic Terminal building to consolidate all domestic security checkpoints into one centralized screening process. The updated infrastructure will eliminate the need to remove laptops, and permitted liquids, aerosols and gels from carry-on bags, making the screening process faster, more efficient and convenient.“This is a game changer,” says Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer at the Calgary Airport Authority. “We’ll bring three separate screening checkpoints into one consolidated location that will move people through faster and allow us to meet and exceed expected passenger growth for…