Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

06 May

Carney to Trump: ‘Canada Is Not for Sale’ in Defiant First White House Visit

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada-US relations, Donald Trump, Mark Carney, White House visit

Washington, May 6 – In a bold first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made it clear that Canada’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation. “There are some places that are never for sale,” Carney said from the White House on Tuesday. “We’re sitting in one right now… and it won’t be for sale ever.”The face-to-face encounter marked Carney’s first international visit since his campaign victory last week, where much of his platform focused on standing up to Trump. The two leaders met amid heightened tensions over a simmering trade war that has…

06 May

Poilievre Reflects on Federal Election Loss, Eyes Comeback Through Alberta Byelection

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada2025 Federal Election, Battle River—Crowfoot, Byelection, Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre

Ottawa, May 6 – Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre admitted the 2025 federal election map has changed "dramatically" after securing 41 per cent of the national vote but still falling short of victory. Speaking publicly for the first time since losing his long-held seat and his first shot at becoming prime minister, Poilievre said the Conservative Party must now find a million more votes to cross the finish line next time."If you told me we’d get 41 per cent, I’d call it ambitious. But to get that and still not win? That’s crazy," he told reporters outside Parliament Hill on Tuesday.Poilievre…

06 May

UN Demands Clarity from Pakistan on Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Role in Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsLashkar-e-Taiba, Pahalgam attack, Pakistan, UN Security Council

New York, May 6 — The United Nations Security Council has demanded answers from Pakistan over the alleged involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Council raised pointed questions during a closed-door session, dismissing Pakistan’s claims that the assault was a "false flag" operation orchestrated by India.UNSC members expressed deep concern about Pakistan-based militant groups, particularly LeT, and emphasized the need for transparency from Islamabad. They called on Pakistan to reveal what it knows about the group’s movements, operations, and potential connection to the recent attack.The Council also voiced unease over Pakistan’s missile…

06 May

21 of 33 Supreme Court Judges Make Assets Public in Move Toward Judicial Transparency

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessCJI Sanjiv Khanna, Judges Assets, Judicial Transparency, Supreme Court

New Delhi, May 6, 2025: In a landmark step toward greater transparency, 21 out of 33 sitting judges of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, have publicly declared their assets. This marks a significant shift in the judiciary’s approach to accountability and openness.According to an official statement issued by the Supreme Court, the Full Court resolved on April 1 that all judges would upload their asset declarations on the court’s official website. The decision was taken during a meeting led by CJI Khanna, where consensus was reached on the importance of making such information accessible to…

06 May

Diljit Dosanjh Makes History as First Indian to Wear Turban at Met Gala 2025

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainmentDiljit Dosanjh, Met Gala 2025

Manhattan (National Times): Diljit Dosanjh, the global Punjabi superstar, etched his name in fashion history at the Met Gala 2025, becoming the first Indian to grace the iconic blue carpet wearing a traditional turban. The singer-actor, who joined Bollywood heavyweights Shah Rukh Khan and Kiara Advani at the event, turned heads with a regal Maharaja-inspired look designed by renowned designer Prabal Gurung. Dosanjh’s ensemble was a masterful blend of Punjabi pride and high fashion, featuring an all-white achkan and pajama paired with a floor-length cape adorned with gold embroidery of the Punjab map and Gurmukhi script, including the Mool Mantra,…

05 May

Putin Assures Modi of Russia’s Full Support in Combating Terrorism Following Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaNarendra Modi, Pahalgam terror attack, Russia-India relations, Vladimir Putin

New Delhi, May 5 — In a strong diplomatic show of solidarity, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, condemning the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that took the lives of 26 Hindu pilgrims. Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, Putin assured Russia's full support to India in its fight against terrorism.Calling the assault a “brutal crime,” President Putin stressed the need for swift justice against the attackers and their backers. He reiterated Russia’s resolve to work closely with India to eliminate terrorism in all forms.The two leaders…

05 May

Former World Junior Players on Trial as Woman Details Alleged Assault in London Court

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Hockey Trial, Carter Hart, London Ontario court, Michael McLeod, Sexual Assault, World Junior players

London/Ontario (Rajeev Sharma)— A woman identified as E.M. resumed her testimony on Monday in a high-profile sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada’s World Junior hockey team. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote have all pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offence.E.M. told the jury she accompanied McLeod to his room at the Delta Hotel in the early hours of June 19, 2018, after a night out at Jack’s bar. She recounted having consensual sex with McLeod, followed by…

05 May

Canada to Test Nationwide Emergency Alert System on May 7

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlert Ready, Canada Emergency Alert Test, Public Safety, Wireless Alerts

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada will conduct a countrywide test of its Alert Ready emergency alert system on Wednesday, May 7. Every province and territory, with the exception of Quebec, will receive test messages across television, radio, and wireless devices such as smartphones.These test messages are designed to simulate an actual emergency alert and will begin with a distinct warning tone. The test will be issued at different local times across Canada: 1:55 p.m. in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Yukon; 10:55 a.m. in New Brunswick; 10:45 a.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador; 9:55 a.m. in the Northwest Territories; 1:55 p.m.…

05 May

Prime Minister Mark Carney to Reside at Rideau Cottage Following Decommissioning of 24 Sussex Drive

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada24 Sussex Drive, Mark Carney, National Capital Commission, Official Residence, Rideau Cottage

Ottawa, May 5 — Prime Minister Mark Carney will take up residence at Rideau Cottage, situated on the grounds of Rideau Hall, as the federal government proceeds with the decommissioning of 24 Sussex Drive, the traditional official residence of Canadian prime ministers. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has determined that 24 Sussex Drive is no longer suitable for occupancy due to its deteriorating condition and the extensive renovations required to meet modern safety and environmental standards. The building has been vacant since 2015, when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opted to reside at Rideau Cottage instead. Rideau Cottage, a 22-room Georgian…

05 May

Revised TCS Rates on Foreign Exchange Transactions Under LRS Effective from April 1, 2025

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessforeign remittance tax, LRS TCS 2025, new TCS rates India, PAN-Aadhaar link

New Delhi, May 5 — The Government of India has officially revised the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates for foreign currency transactions under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), with new rates coming into force from April 1, 2025. The changes apply to all resident individuals sending money abroad or buying foreign currency for various purposes.As per the updated structure, TCS on education-related remittances using loans from recognised institutions remains exempt. For education and medical treatment expenses not funded through a loan, no TCS will be collected for amounts up to ₹10 lakh. However, beyond this threshold, the rate is…