Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

25 Apr

Old-School Wins: Canada Sticks to Paper Ballots for 2025 Election

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada2025 Federal Election, Elections Canada, Paper Ballots, Voting Machines

Ontario, April 25: As Canada heads toward its 2025 federal election, Elections Canada has made a firm decision—no voting machines, no digital shortcuts. Voters across the country will mark their choices with pencils, and election workers will count those votes by hand, just as they’ve done for generations.This traditional method might seem outdated in an era dominated by technology, but Elections Canada insists it’s the best option. “Highly efficient, effective, and secure,” is how James Hale, the agency’s media advisor, described the time-tested pencil-and-paper approach. Despite British Columbia’s use of electronic vote tabulators in their 2024 provincial election, the federal…

25 Apr

B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Rules Reshape Housing — But at What Cost to Tourism and Tenant Relief ?

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAirbnb Regulation Impact, B.C. Short-Term Rental Law, Housing vs Tourism

VICTORIA (Rajeev Sharma)— One year after British Columbia’s landmark short-term rental regulations took effect, the province finds itself balancing two competing realities: a modest easing in housing pressures and growing concern over the collateral damage to tourism and affordability.At the heart of the policy is a simple goal — turn vacation rentals into permanent homes. The province's 2024 rules limit short-term rentals to principal residences or attached units like basement suites and laneway houses. Hosts had until May 1 to register, or risk steep $5,000-per-day fines and delisting from rental platforms.Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon is calling it a win. Listings…

25 Apr

Record Advance Voting Surge in B.C. and Atlantic Canada Boosts Early Turnout Ahead of Federal Election

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAdvance Polling Canada, Elections Canada 2025

OTTAWA(Rajeev Sharma )— Canadians turned out in record numbers for advance polls this federal election, with British Columbia and Atlantic Canada leading the charge. According to preliminary estimates from Elections Canada, 7.3 million people voted early—up 24 per cent from 2021.British Columbia saw over 1.1 million early voters, a 35 per cent jump from 2021. Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the sharpest rise, with a 53 per cent increase, while Prince Edward Island's early voting grew by 41 per cent. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick weren't far behind, rising by 31 and 25 per cent, respectively.Ontario added 564,000 more advance ballots…

25 Apr

Trump’s Canada-Bashing Backfires as Carney Gains Momentum Before Election

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Election 2025, Mark Carney, Trump Canada cars

Toronto ( Rajeev Sharma) – U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed attacks on Canada’s auto industry and national sovereignty are sparking political ripples across the border, just days before Canadians head to the polls. But instead of damaging Prime Minister Mark Carney’s prospects, Trump’s tirade appears to have done the opposite.In a campaign rally, Trump bluntly said, “We don't really want Canada to make cars for us… We want to make our own cars,” and hinted at raising tariffs beyond the existing 25% on Canadian auto exports. He also declared that Canada would “cease to exist” without the U.S.—a statement that…

25 Apr

Ontario Measles Crisis Deepens as Cases Cross 1,000, Liberals Slam Provincial Response

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaOntario measles outbreak, Public Health Ontario

Toronto(Rajeev Sharma): Ontario’s measles outbreak has crossed a critical threshold, with 95 new cases pushing the total beyond 1,000—marking the province’s worst surge in more than 20 years. Public Health Ontario confirmed the tally had reached 1,020 since the outbreak began in October 2024.Health officials say the majority of infections have occurred in southwestern Ontario, disproportionately affecting children and teens. Out of 76 hospitalizations, 57 involved children—most of whom were unvaccinated. Seven patients required intensive care. Dr. Sarah Wilson from Public Health Ontario warned that measles can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and brain inflammation, and stressed the importance…

25 Apr

Family of Detained BSF Jawan Hopes for His Safe Return Amid Ongoing Talks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBSF, Punjab

Kolkata (National Times): The family of BSF jawan P.K. Sahu is clinging to hope and prayer as they await his safe return after he was reportedly detained by Pakistan Rangers for inadvertently crossing the international border in Punjab. Speaking from their home, his father, Bholanath Sahu, expressed both anxiety and confidence in the ongoing diplomatic efforts. “We are extremely worried but hopeful,” he said. “My son has dedicated his life to serving the nation, and we trust that every possible step is being taken to bring him back.” Bholanath shared that he received a phone call from his son's commanding…

25 Apr

Indian Air Force Launches ‘Exercise Aakraman’ Amid Tensions with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessIndia, Pahalgam, Pakistan

New Delhi (National Times): In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a significant military drill dubbed Exercise Aakraman (meaning "Attack") in the central sector near the Line of Control (LoC). This extensive operation features the IAF’s primary combat fleet, including the advanced Rafale fighter jets stationed at Ambala and Hashimara bases. The exercise showcased heightened operational readiness, with both combat and transport aircraft conducting sorties throughout Thursday night. Aircraft equipped with Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) maintained surveillance, monitoring enemy movements…

25 Apr

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Altaf Lalli Killed in Bandipora Encounter, Major Blow to Terror Network

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAltaf Lalli, Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar/Bandipora (National Times): In a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, security forces on Thursday neutralized Altaf Lalli, a top commander of Pakistan-backed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in a fierce gun battle in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The high-stakes operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs, with elite units executing the mission with tactical precision. Officials confirmed that Lalli was directly responsible for orchestrating multiple terror attacks in the Valley, and his elimination marks a major success in the ongoing anti-terror crackdown. “This is a big win for our forces. Altaf Lalli had been on the radar for a…

25 Apr

Cash Reward Rs 20 Lakh Announced for Information on Terrorists Pahalgam Terror Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaPahalgam

Srinagar (National Times Bureau): In the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, local authorities have announced a substantial cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for any credible information leading to the identification or apprehension of the terrorists responsible. The attack, which occurred earlier this week, targeted a security convoy in the vicinity of the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, resulting in several security personnel sustaining injuries. The attack has escalated concerns regarding the security situation in the region, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to identify those behind the assault. Investigators have initiated an extensive manhunt,…

25 Apr

Pahalgam Attack Fallout: Homes of Terror Suspects Razed in South Kashmir Ops

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAsif Sheikh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Pahalgam terror attack, Pulwama

Pahalgam, April 25, 2025 — Indian security forces on Friday demolished the homes of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives suspected of planning and executing the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. Explosives were used to raze the house of one of the accused, Asif Sheikh, in Pulwama, during an intense search operation.Authorities confirmed the two suspects had direct links to the April 22 massacre in Baisaran, Pahalgam, where gunmen ambushed tourists. Following credible intelligence, security forces initiated targeted demolitions in Pulwama and Tral, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on terror.This crackdown comes amid a sweeping response…