Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

03 Apr

1 in Canada: Albertans recycle more than other Canadians

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessAlberta, Canada, Recycling

National Times Bureau, April 3, 2025: After narrowly being beaten out by Prince Edward Island in 2022, Alberta is back on top, regaining the highest beverage container return rate in all of Canada. In 2024, Albertans returned more than two billion cans, bottles and other containers, or 85 per cent of all non-refillable beverage containers. The national average was a paltry 76 per cent. Runners-up include Saskatchewan at 84 per cent, British Columbia at 83 per cent, Ontario at 75 per cent and Quebec at 68 per cent. Alberta also continues to rapidly gain in the North American rankings, going…

03 Apr

Liberal Party Takes the Lead as Canada Gears Up for 2025 Federal Election

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Election 2025, Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre

National Times Bureau, April 3, 2025: Canada is heading into an early federal election on April 28, 2025, with the latest polls showing a competitive but clear lead for the Liberal Party under newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney. The election, initially scheduled for October, was moved up after Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau on March 14, 2025 and called for a fresh mandate amid economic challenges and rising trade tensions with the United States. A recent survey places the Liberal Party at 46%, followed by the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, at 37%. The New Democratic Party (NDP) and…

03 Apr

Surrey Leaders Demand Action on Roadwork Disruptions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadainfrastructure projects, Surrey roadworks, Transport disruption

Surrey, April 3, 2025: Surrey officials and utility providers are calling for urgent changes to minimize disruption from roadworks and major infrastructure projects. Surrey County Council (SCC), National Highways, and six utility firms have sent a letter to the Department for Transport (DfT) requesting improvements to the national roadworks management system.The demand comes as the Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, Dr. Ben Spencer, pushes a new bill in Parliament to address disruptions on road and rail networks. The DfT responded by stating that local authorities are being held accountable for their road maintenance projects to limit delays for drivers.Last…

03 Apr

Record-Breaking Turnout in Vancouver Byelection’s Advance Voting

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAdvance Voting, Mail-in Ballots, Vancouver byelection, Voter Turnout

Vancouver,April 3, 2025: Vancouver’s byelection is already setting records, with 7,671 votes cast in just two days of advance polling. Additionally, 6,400 mail-in ballots were requested, marking a significant increase compared to previous elections."Advance voting opportunities in the Vancouver byelection have shattered previous records so far," said Natti Schmid, the city’s elections communications and outreach manager. The city’s decision to hold advance voting exclusively at city hall on March 26 and April 1 led to a surge in participation. The first day saw 2,876 ballots cast, while the second day recorded 4,795—both exceeding the previous record of approximately 2,500 votes…

03 Apr

TEMS Joint Ambulance District Recognized for Efforts in Preventing Opioid Overdoses

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaoOpioid Overdose Prevention, TEMS Joint Ambulance District

Toronto, Ohio — The TEMS Joint Ambulance District has been honored for its efforts in preventing fatal opioid overdoses, playing a crucial role in making naloxone more accessible and educating the public on overdose prevention.The recognition came from the HEALing Communities Study in Ohio, which acknowledged the district’s initiative in placing NaloxBoxes at a local rest stop and spreading awareness about overdose intervention. The Toronto-based ambulance service installed naloxone kits in the men's and women’s restrooms at the intersection of state Routes 7 and 213, ensuring quick access to the life-saving drug.Bridget Freisthler of Ohio State University, a partner in…

03 Apr

Canada Vows Retaliation as Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Foreign-Made Cars

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAuto Imports, Canada Trade Response, Trump Trade War, U.S. tariffs

Ottawa, April 3, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on foreign-made automobiles, imposing a 25% duty on imports while applying a 10% baseline tariff on several other nations. However, Canada and Mexico have been spared from the initial wave of tariffs.Trump’s latest move, part of his ongoing trade war strategy, has triggered strong responses from global trade partners. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, addressing the issue from Parliament Hill, declared that his government would act with “purpose and with force” to counter the U.S. trade actions. Although he did not immediately reveal the specifics of Canada’s…

03 Apr

Why Russia, Canada, and Other Countries Were Left Out of Trump’s Tariff List

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessCanada, Donald Trump, Russia

New Delhi (National Times): Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently unveiled a new wave of tariffs, targeting countries with rates as high as 50%. However, some nations—including Russia, Canada, Mexico, North Korea, and Cuba—were notably absent from the list, sparking discussions about why they were spared. Exemptions for Canada and Mexico While Canada and Mexico were not included in Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, this doesn’t mean they’ve escaped trade restrictions altogether. The U.S. had already imposed a 25% tariff on imports from both countries earlier this year, while Canadian energy and potash were subject to a lower 10% rate.…

03 Apr

India Responds to Trump’s Tariff Decision, Calls It a ‘Mixed Bag’ Not a Setback

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessDonald Trump

New Delhi (National Times): In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 26% retaliatory tariff on Indian exports, a senior official from India's Commerce Ministry has stated that the move is a "mixed bag" rather than a major setback. India Evaluating the Impact Speaking anonymously to news agency PTI, the official explained that the new tariff structure consists of a universal 10% duty on all U.S. imports from April 5, with an additional 16% charge applying from April 10. Despite concerns over trade relations, the official assured that India is closely analyzing the potential effects on…

03 Apr

Donald Trump Praises PM Modi but Criticizes India’s Trade Policies While Announcing New Tariffs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessDonald Trump, Narendra Modi

Washington, D.C. (Rajiv Sharma): Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a fresh set of tariffs on India, stating that the U.S. would impose "discounted reciprocal tariffs" of 26% on Indian imports. While making the announcement, he referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great friend" but criticized India’s high tariff rates on American goods. Trump Calls for Fair Trade Practices During his speech, Trump pointed out what he sees as imbalances in trade relations between the two countries. Holding up a chart listing various countries' tariffs, he remarked: "India is very tough when it comes to trade. The…

02 Apr

Gujarat Titans Cruise to Eight-Wicket Victory Over RCB in Bengaluru

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsGujarat Titans, IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru

National Times Bureau, April 2, 2025: Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a dominant performance to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by eight wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2025. A clinical chase led by Jos Buttler ensured GT secured an easy win with 13 balls to spare.Opting to bowl first, GT's bowlers kept RCB in check from the start. Mohammed Siraj led the attack with a brilliant spell, picking up three crucial wickets. Despite a fighting 54 off 40 balls from Liam Livingstone, RCB struggled to accelerate, finishing at 169/8 in their 20 overs.In response, GT's batters made the…