Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

27 Feb

PM Modi to Attend Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025 Sufi Music Festival in Delhi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAmir Khusrau, Jahan-e-Khusrau, PM Modi, Sufi music festival

New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the grand Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025, at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi. This marks the first time the Prime Minister will attend the prestigious event, highlighting his commitment to promoting India’s diverse artistic and cultural heritage, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).The festival, organized by the Rumi Foundation, is a tribute to the legendary Amir Khusrau, a revered Sufi poet and musician. Launched in 2001 by filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali, Jahan-e-Khusrau has grown into a global celebration of Sufi music…

27 Feb

First Cases of H5N1 Bird Flu Found in Domestic Cats in Madhya Pradesh

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabavian influenza, bird flu, domestic cats, H5N1, Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, February 27, 2025 – In a first for India, domestic cats in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district have tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. However, officials confirmed that their owners remain unaffected. The virus was detected in three to four cats whose samples were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal in January. Following the positive results, health authorities quarantined and monitored the owners, but all tested negative for the virus. While this ensures that human transmission has not yet been detected, experts remain cautious about potential risks. Scientists from NIHSAD and the…

27 Feb

DIG Ropar Range and SSP Mohali Inaugurate Modern Beat Box cum PCR/Traffic Booth in Zirakpur

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabDIG Ropar, PCR, SSP Mohali, Traffic Booth

Zirakpur/Mohali, February 27, 2025: The Punjab Police continues to modernize and upgrade its services with the inauguration of another Modern Beat Box cum PCR/Traffic Booth at Chatt lights in Zirakpur. The event was graced by DIG Ropar Range S. H S Bhullar and SSP Mohali Sh. Deepak Pareek, who were present to officially open the new facility.The inauguration ceremony was held on the orders of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has been actively pushing for the modernization of the Punjab Police. In his speech, DIG Bhullar emphasized the importance of this new facility in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of…

27 Feb

Alberta News: RTR Bill Improves Housing, Trades and Charities

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has tabled its ninth Red Tape Reduction bill to reduce regulatory burdens for Albertans and businesses further. Since 2019, Alberta’s government has eliminated more than 209,000 regulatory requirements and implemented hundreds of red tape reduction initiatives. These efforts have generated cumulative savings of more than $2.9 billion for Albertans. Proposed amendments are designed to maintain that momentum. The Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 introduces more key changes to streamline processes and improve services across multiple sectors. If passed, proposed changes will allow for electronic communication in the exchange of documents between landlords and tenants, improve…

27 Feb

Alberta’s Minister of Education Announces Updates to Exemptions for In-Person Learning

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, has announced updates to ministerial orders regarding exemptions to in-person learning options, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards despite ongoing strikes. Nicolaides reaffirmed that Alberta Education places trust in school boards to determine the best educational programming for their students. He noted that school divisions are expected to have plans in place to ensure continuity of learning during labour disruptions. To protect the safety and well-being of students and staff during recent strikes, the Edmonton Public School Division, Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Board of Education, Fort McMurray School…

27 Feb

Alberta’s government working with municipalities to tackle social disorder

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Enhancing law enforcement coordination between the province and municipalities is crucial to strengthening enforcement efforts in the ongoing fight against fentanyl and the illicit drug trade. A more unified response among law enforcement agencies is crucial to effectively and efficiently addressing the fentanyl crisis and its devastating effects on Albertans. At the request of the provincial government, more than 800 community peace officers from 34 large- and mid-sized municipalities will immediately begin coordinating operations with local police to more effectively combat social disorder stemming from the use of illicit drugs, including deadly fentanyl. “We know a law…

26 Feb

Sudanese Army Plane Crash Kills 46 in Omdurman, Senior Commander Among Dead

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsOmdurman, plane crash, Sudan, Sudanese Army

February 26, 2025 – A Sudanese military aircraft crashed into a residential area near Wadi Sayidna military airport in Omdurman, killing at least 46 people, including a senior army commander, according to the Khartoum state media office and military sources. Fatal Crash Near Military Airport The crash occurred late Tuesday in northern Omdurman, the twin city of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. The Sudanese Army confirmed the deaths of both military personnel and civilians but did not initially disclose specific numbers. Military sources later revealed that a high-ranking commander was among those killed.Authorities have yet to release details on the cause of…

26 Feb

Centre Opposes Life Ban on Convicted Politicians, Says Decision Lies with Parliament

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaConvicted Politicians, Lifetime Ban, Supreme Court

February 26, 2025 – The Centre has firmly opposed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians, arguing that such a disqualification falls solely within the domain of Parliament. Judicial Review Cannot Override Legislative Policy In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the Centre asserted that directing Parliament to frame a law in a particular manner would amount to rewriting the statute, which is beyond the scope of judicial review. The affidavit stated, “The question of whether a lifetime ban is appropriate or not is solely within the domain of Parliament.” The government emphasized…

26 Feb

Terrorists Open Fire on Army Vehicle in J&K’s Rajouri, No Casualties Reported

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaArmy vehicle, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajouri attack

February 26, 2025 – Terrorists targeted an Army patrol vehicle in the Sunderbani area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a massive search operation. Attack on Army Patrol The attack occurred around 1 pm near Phall village along Sunderbani-Malla Road, a known infiltration route for militants. Officials stated that one or two rounds were fired at a vehicle belonging to the 9 JAK Rifles while it was on patrol.“At 1300 hours (1 pm), an army vehicle was fired upon at Village Phall near a water tank in the forest area,” sources confirmed. No injuries have been…

26 Feb

CBSE Confirms Punjabi and Other Languages in 2025-26 Board Exams After Past Controversy

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabBoard Exams, CBSE, Punjabi Controversy

New Delhi, February 26, 2025 – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially reaffirmed that Punjabi, along with several other languages, will continue to be offered in the 2025-26 academic session. This clarification follows concerns over previous controversies regarding Punjabi’s exclusion from CBSE's syllabus.The issue first gained attention when reports suggested that Punjabi was not included in CBSE's subject list, sparking backlash from educators, political leaders, and the Punjab government. Many saw this as an attempt to sideline the language, leading to widespread protests and demands for its reinstatement. CBSE later clarified that Punjabi had not been removed…