Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

30 Apr

IMD Predicts Above-Normal Temperatures, Rising Heatwave Days Across India in May

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAbove-normal Temperature India, Heatwave Days May, IMD forecast May 2025

New Delhi, April 30, 2025 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a hotter-than-usual May for most parts of the country, warning of elevated maximum temperatures and more heatwave days, particularly across central, northwestern, and eastern India.According to the IMD’s latest monthly climate outlook, regions including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal are likely to experience one to four additional days of heatwave conditions compared to normal. Other regions such as Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, north Karnataka, Maharashtra, and adjoining Telangana will also witness intense heat spells.While central and north India brace for…

30 Apr

Centre Directs States to Implement BNSS Section 479 for Undertrial Prisoner Relief

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBNSS 2023, Prison Reform, Section 479, Undertrial Prisoners

New Delhi, April 30, 2025 – In a major step towards decongesting prisons and upholding the rights of undertrial prisoners, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to implement Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This move is aimed at easing pressure on correctional facilities and ensuring more humane treatment for those awaiting trial.Section 479 outlines specific guidelines for releasing undertrials who have served a significant portion of their potential sentence. Under this section, prisoners who have spent half of the maximum sentence prescribed for their alleged offence are eligible…

30 Apr

Canada’s New Immigration Pathways Offer Fresh Hope for Indian PR Aspirants

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada PR 2025, Express Entry, Mark Carney immigration, PNP Canada

Ottawa, April 30, 2025 — Canada is opening new doors for Indians seeking permanent residency (PR), with a series of recent developments making immigration more accessible, particularly through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and job-specific pathways.On April 28, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a PNP-specific Express Entry draw, inviting 421 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 421. This marked a significant drop from the previous April 14 draw, where the cutoff score stood at 764, indicating a more favorable climate for those with provincial nominations—many of whom are Indian nationals.Despite this encouraging trend, Canada…

30 Apr

‘Not a Drop to Spare’: CM Mann Blasts BJP Over Water Row, Defends Punjab’s Rights

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann BJP, Haryana water crisis, Punjab water dispute

Chandigarh, April 30, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP-led governments in Haryana and the Centre, accusing them of conspiring to deprive Punjab of its rightful share of water. In a strongly worded statement, Mann declared that Punjab has "not a single drop to spare" and vowed to protect the state's water resources at all costs.Responding to reports that Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini claimed Mann had promised additional water to his state, the Punjab CM dismissed the assertion as "a bundle of lies." He clarified that while Saini had indeed contacted…

30 Apr

Should You Get Another MMR Shot Amid Canada’s Measles Outbreak? Here’s What Experts Say

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaHealth Canada, Measles Booster, Measles Outbreak, MMR Vaccine Canada 2025

Toronto, April 30, 2025: With measles cases rising sharply across Canada, many Canadians are asking whether they need a third dose of the MMR vaccine. Health officials say the short answer is no, at least not for most people.According to Health Canada, two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide near complete protection. A single dose gives up to 95% immunity, while two doses offer about 99–100% effectiveness. For now, a third or “booster” dose is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare provider.Those unsure of their vaccine status are encouraged to check with their doctors or request…

30 Apr

Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault Resigns After Election Defeat, Elizabeth May Stands Alone in Parliament

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaGreen Party Canada, Jonathan Pedneault resignation

Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): Jonathan Pedneault, co-leader of the Green Party of Canada, has stepped down from his leadership role following a disappointing federal election performance that saw the party secure just 1.2 per cent of the national vote and only one seat in the House of Commons.In a statement shared online, Pedneault acknowledged his inability to win a seat and announced his resignation, effective immediately. “Twice now, I have failed to convince my fellow citizens to send me to Ottawa,” he wrote. “I therefore hereby submit my resignation.”Pedneault came in fifth in Montreal’s Outremont riding, garnering 4,539 votes. The seat…

30 Apr

Bruce Fanjoy Stuns Pierre Poilievre in Carleton, Says Liberal Momentum Helped Power Upset

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBruce Fanjoy, Carleton riding, Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre

Ottawa, April 30, 2025 — In one of the most stunning upsets of Canada’s federal election, Liberal newcomer Bruce Fanjoy unseated long-time Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the Carleton riding, ending his two-decade run in the Ottawa-area seat. Fanjoy attributed the win to relentless ground-level campaigning and the renewed momentum under Prime Minister Mark Carney.“With Mark Carney’s leadership, suddenly I had the wind at my back,” Fanjoy said in an interview with CTV’s Power Play. “Pierre, God bless him, he took the riding for granted. And people don’t like to be taken for granted.”Fanjoy defeated Poilievre by approximately 4,300 votes,…

30 Apr

India to Conduct First Nationwide Caste Census Since 1931

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAshwini Vaishnaw, Caste Census, India, Union Cabinet

New Delhi, April 30, 2025 — In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming national census, marking the first such exercise since 1931. This move aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of India's complex social structure and inform future policy decisions. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, emphasizing the constitutional authority of the Centre to conduct such a census. He noted that while some state governments have undertaken caste surveys, these lacked the scope and accuracy of a nationwide enumeration. The…

30 Apr

ACB Cracks Down on Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in Rs 2,000 Crore Classroom Construction Scam

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, PoliticsManish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain

New Delhi (National Times): In a major development, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has filed a criminal case against former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and ex-PWD Minister Satyendar Jain in connection with a large-scale scam related to the construction of school classrooms in the national capital. The case revolves around the construction of over 12,000 classrooms, where the ACB alleges massive financial misconduct. The scam, running into approximately ₹2,000 crore, involves unauthorized appointments of consultants, cost inflations, and failure to complete projects on time. As per official estimates, the AAP government spent close to Rs 2,892 crore on these classrooms,…

30 Apr

Centre Reconstitutes National Security Advisory Board Amid Indo-Pak Tensions; Ex-RAW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed Chairman

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaNational Security Advisory Board

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) to bolster its strategic preparedness. Former RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the seven-member board. The revamp signals a fresh strategic shift in India’s national security outlook and comes at a critical juncture when cross-border threats are again in sharp focus. The updated panel includes a mix of highly decorated retired officers from the military, police, and diplomatic corps, aimed at…