Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

30 Apr

Pakistan Warns of Possible Indian Military Action Within 36 Hours Amid Rising Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, Pakistan

Islamabad (National Times): Amid escalating tensions following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a midnight press conference warning of potential military action by India within the next 24 to 36 hours. Tarar stated that Pakistan possesses “credible intelligence” suggesting that India may launch an attack under the pretense of retaliating for the Pahalgam incident. “India is preparing for a military strike against Pakistan, based on unsubstantiated and false accusations,” he said during the urgent briefing. He strongly criticized what he described as India’s unilateral posture in the…

30 Apr

PM Modi Grants Armed Forces Autonomy on Target Selection and Timing Post-Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIndia-Pakistan tensions, Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi, April 30, 2025 — In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has authorized the Indian armed forces to independently determine the timing and targets of any retaliatory actions. This directive was issued during a high-level security meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and top military officials. The Prime Minister's directive underscores a significant shift, granting the military greater operational autonomy to respond to threats as they see fit. This move aims to enhance India's defensive posture amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, which has…

30 Apr

Jittery Pakistan Alleges Imminent Indian Strike, Seeks UN Intervention as Tensions Soar

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIndia-Pakistan tensions, Pahalgam attack, Shehbaz Sharif, UN intervention

Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma)— Amid escalating regional tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has raised alarm bells internationally by claiming that India is preparing for a military strike within the next 24 hours. The unprecedented claim was made by the Pakistani government on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urgently appealed to the United Nations for intervention to "prevent a crisis in South Asia."In an official statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry alleged that intelligence inputs and troop movements suggest an imminent Indian operation targeting specific locations across the Line of Control (LoC). No evidence was publicly provided to back the…

29 Apr

Justice BR Gavai appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India, to take oath on May 14

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaChief Justice of India, CJI appointment, Justice BR Gavai, Supreme Court

New Delhi, April 28, 2025: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), with his swearing-in scheduled for May 14. He will succeed incumbent CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who is set to retire on May 13.Justice Gavai’s tenure as the head of the judiciary will be brief, ending on November 23, 2025, when he turns 65—the retirement age for Supreme Court judges.This appointment is historic, as Justice Gavai becomes only the second Dalit judge to assume the top post in the Indian judiciary, after Justice K G Balakrishnan. His elevation is widely seen as…

29 Apr

President Trump signs executive order for truck drivers, Sikh advocacy group raises concern

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDonald Trump, English Proficiency, Executive Order, Truck Drivers

New York/Washington, Apr 29 (PTI) US: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating that truck drivers in America are proficient in English, a requirement that has raised concerns among Sikh advocacy groups who say it can have a “discriminatory impact" on truckers from the community and create unnecessary barriers to employment.The Executive Order ‘Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers’ says that America's truck drivers are essential to the strength of the country’s economy, its security and the livelihoods of the American people.“Proficiency in English,” which Trump has designated as America’s official national language, "should…

29 Apr

Historic Rise in Punjabi Representation: 22 Elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 2025 Federal Elections

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Elections 2025, Punjabi MPs

Calgary/New Delhi, April 29, 2025 – In a historic moment for Canada’s Punjabi community, a record 22 candidates of Punjabi origin have been elected to the House of Commons in the 2025 federal elections. This marks a new high for Punjabi representation, surpassing the previous figures of 18 in 2021 and 20 in 2019. Out of 65 Punjabi candidates, more than one-third secured victories, highlighting the growing political influence of the community across Canadian ridings.In a dramatic turnaround, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party regained control of Parliament, bouncing back from the brink of political collapse. Though the Liberals are…

29 Apr

Carney’s Election Victory Sets Stage for Canada-India Reset, Khalistan Tensions Expected to Ease

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Election 2025, India-Canada ties, Khalistan issue, Mark Carney

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) — Mark Carney’s rise as Canada’s new Prime Minister not only marks a political shift in Ottawa but is also poised to reset the strained diplomatic ties with India, which had deteriorated under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Liberal Party’s win in a high-stakes election dominated by U.S. tariffs, affordability issues, and sovereignty concerns now opens the door for a potential thaw in India-Canada relations.Carney, who replaced Trudeau earlier this year, has stressed the importance of rebuilding ties with India. Describing the relationship as "incredibly important" economically and strategically, Carney has refrained from reigniting past controversies,…

29 Apr

Conservatives Face Crossroads After Strong Showing Falls Short of Power

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaConservative Party Canada, Election Results 2025, Pierre Poilievre

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Despite a strong national vote share and notable seat gains, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party has once again fallen short of forming government, prompting soul-searching within party ranks.According to Elections Canada, the Conservatives secured around 41% of the vote—a level not reached in decades—and are projected to win approximately 148 seats, a significant increase from the 120 seats they held prior to dissolution. Yet, with the progressive vote consolidating behind Mark Carney’s Liberals, the Conservatives were once again pushed into opposition.It’s a bitter pill for a party that, only months ago, seemed poised for victory. Public opinion polls…

29 Apr

Carney’s Post-Election Plans: Trade Talks with Trump, Economic Security, and Energy Push on the Agenda

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada-US relations, Mark Carney priorities, Trump Carney talks

Ottawa ( Rajeev Sharma) : Fresh off his election victory, Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to move swiftly on a series of economic and strategic priorities, with managing relations with U.S. President Donald Trump at the top of the list.Carney and Trump held a phone call in late March, during which both leaders agreed to kick off negotiations for a revamped economic and security partnership immediately after the Canadian election. With concerns over U.S. tariffs and annexation rhetoric still resonating, Carney is expected to act quickly to shield Canada's economy from external shocks.Legislation aimed at economic stability could be…

Conservatives Sweep Northeast Calgary <br>“Jasraj Hallan, Amanpreet Gill, and Dalwinder Gill Elected MPs “

29 Apr

Conservatives Sweep Northeast Calgary
“Jasraj Hallan, Amanpreet Gill, and Dalwinder Gill Elected MPs “

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Elections, Conservatives

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Conservative Party has secured a decisive victory in Calgary’s northeast region, winning all three major ridings in the area during Canada’s 2025 federal election. The results reaffirm the party’s stronghold in Alberta, even as the Liberals, led by Mark Carney, formed a minority government nationally. Voters in Calgary East, Skyview, and McKnight ridings have backed Conservative candidates in the 2025 federal election. Jasraj Singh Hallan has been re-elected for the third time as the Member of Parliament for the newly created Calgary East riding, carrying forward his momentum from previously representing Calgary Forest Lawn. Known for…