Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

18 Apr

Canada’s Retaliation Over Tariffs Leaves U.S. Wine Industry Facing $1 Billion Loss

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaU.S.-Canada trade war, wine industry loss

Ottawa, April 18, 2025: The American wine industry is reeling from a sharp economic blow as a result of escalating trade tensions with Canada. In retaliation to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Canadian provinces have removed American alcoholic beverages—including wine—from store shelves, triggering a projected $1 billion loss for U.S. wineries.California, the heart of the U.S. wine export business, has taken the biggest hit. Wineries in the state now face overstocked inventories and slumping export orders due to Canada’s sudden restrictions. Analysts say the financial damage will worsen the longer these trade barriers persist.This fallout is just one chapter…

18 Apr

20 Dead in U.S. Strikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa Oil Port, Houthis Claim Major Civilian Toll

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsHouthis, Ras Isa oil port, U.S. airstrikes, Yemen

Sanaa, April 18 — At least 20 people were killed in U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s western Ras Isa oil port, according to Houthi rebels. The group, which controls large parts of Yemen, accused the U.S. of targeting critical infrastructure and causing significant civilian casualties. The attacks reportedly hit fuel storage facilities and surrounding areas in the Hodeida province.Houthi media condemned the strikes as a war crime, asserting that civilians, including port workers and rescue responders, were among the dead. The group warned of retaliation and said the bombings would not go unanswered.This latest attack adds to a growing list of…

18 Apr

Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian on ISS, 40 Years After Rakesh Sharma’s Space Flight

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndian astronaut, ISS mission, Shubhanshu Shukla, SpaceX Falcon 9

New Delhi, April 18, 2025: After a gap of four decades, India is ready to send one of its own into space again. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in May this year. His mission will make him the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and the first Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma's historic flight in 1984.Shukla will be part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission and will lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Crew Dragon…

18 Apr

India a Strong Contender for Permanent Seat in Expanded UNSC: UN Panel Chief

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, Security Council, United Nations, UNSC reform

New York, April 18, 2025: India has emerged as a “sure contender” for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) if the body is expanded, according to Philip Sibanda, Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform. Speaking at an informal General Assembly meeting, Sibanda praised India’s consistent global leadership and its significant contributions to peacekeeping.Representing Zimbabwe as its Permanent Representative to the UN, Sibanda emphasized the growing support India enjoys among member states. He highlighted India’s democratic credentials and its leadership within the G4 group—comprising India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—as key indicators of its suitability…

18 Apr

PM Modi, Elon Musk Explore New Frontiers in Tech and Innovation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaElon Musk, India, Narendra Modi, technology collaboration, X

New Delhi, April 18, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Thursday to explore avenues of collaboration in emerging technologies, space exploration, and innovation-driven development. The conversation reaffirmed growing ties between India and global tech pioneers.According to officials, both leaders discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas like sustainable development, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. The call follows their earlier in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., and comes amid India’s expanding efforts to position itself as a global hub for innovation.Elon Musk, who was joined by his family during the interaction, expressed admiration for…

18 Apr

CM Sukhu Releases Veteran’s Book, Promises Boost to Remote Regions and Education Reforms

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCM Sukhu, Hari Singh Rana, Himachal Day, Mere Achhe Din

Shimla, April 18, 2025: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met 90-year-old social worker Hari Singh Rana during his visit to Pangi for the state-level Himachal Day celebrations. Rana presented his newly authored book "Mere Achhe Din" for release, which the Chief Minister gladly unveiled.Wearing the region’s traditional white cap, Rana was warmly welcomed and invited to sit beside the CM. The Chief Minister praised Rana’s dedication to social service and extended best wishes for his continued efforts. Rana also submitted a memorandum with key developmental demands for the Pangi region. The CM assured appropriate action and reaffirmed…

18 Apr

Canada’s PM Mark Carney Labels China as Nation’s Top Security Concern During Election Debate

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Mark Carney

Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared China the most significant security threat facing the country, a bold statement made during Thursday night’s high-stakes English-language federal leaders’ debate in Montreal. Without direct prompting, Carney stated, “I think the biggest security threat to Canada is China,” shifting the debate's tone to foreign policy and national security. Carney’s remarks come amid a tense global backdrop, with his administration already benefiting from rising anxieties around US President Donald Trump’s aggressive economic and geopolitical moves. Throughout the debate, Carney consistently circled back to the evolving Canada-US relationship, emphasizing that Ottawa must now…

18 Apr

Donald Trump Poses Biggest Threat to Canadian Economy, Says PM Mark Carney Amid Ongoing Trade Dispute

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaDonald Trump, Mark Carney

Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has identified the US President Donald Trump as the single greatest threat to Canada’s economic stability, citing the continued escalation of the trade war initiated by the Republican leader. Carney’s remarks came during a fiery federal leaders’ debate ahead of the April 28, 2025, Canada election, where he faced off with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP head Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois chief Yves-François Blanchet. Carney emphasized the importance of unified action between Canada's provinces and territories to fortify the national economy in the face of mounting US trade pressure. “The path…

18 Apr

Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre Clash Over Trump and Trade Policy in High-Stakes English Debate

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Elections 2025, Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre

Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): The spotlight was on Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre Thursday night as Canada's leading political voices went head-to-head in the only English-language debate of the federal election, with US President Donald Trump and his economic policies dominating the conversation. Set against the backdrop of escalating US tariffs, the four major federal parties gathered in Montreal to pitch their platforms just days before advance polls open. The tone was combative, particularly between Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, as both vied to prove they’re best equipped to counter the Trump administration’s aggressive trade stance. Trump…

18 Apr

US National Fatally Shot After Attempted Plane Hijacking in Belize

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsBelize

Belize City (National Times): A dramatic mid-air incident unfolded on a Tropic Air flight bound for San Pedro on Thursday, when a 49-year-old American man attempted to hijack the aircraft using a knife. The assailant, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, reportedly injured three people before being fatally shot by a fellow passenger. According to Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams, Taylor began attacking passengers mid-flight, prompting another traveler to intervene and shoot him. The police chief commended the individual’s quick response, referring to them as a "hero" for potentially saving many lives. Authorities are still investigating how the weapon was smuggled…