Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

06 Aug

India-Russia Partnership Gains Momentum as Both Nations Push Towards $100 Billion Trade Goal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingIndia, Russia

New Delhi/Moscow (Rajeev Sharma): India and Russia are accelerating efforts to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership, with both countries committed to raising bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, has said. The envoy noted that alongside expanding trade in traditional sectors, both governments are identifying fresh avenues for economic collaboration. Highlighting the importance of energy cooperation, Kumar said the partnership in the nuclear sector remains on track. He stated that Rosatom continues work on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, where construction of Units 3 and 4 has made substantial progress, reinforcing the two countries'…

06 Aug

Himachal Sees Below-Normal Monsoon Rainfall; IMD Predicts More Showers Through August 11

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Rainfall activity has slowed across Himachal Pradesh over the past week, with the state registering a noticeable monsoon deficit even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts intermittent showers in the days ahead. According to the latest weather data, Himachal received 13 per cent less rainfall than normal during the last seven days. The biggest shortfall was reported from Lahaul-Spiti, where precipitation remained 87 per cent below the seasonal average. Other districts experiencing deficient rainfall include Hamirpur, Solan, Mandi, Chamba, Kangra and Shimla. In contrast, several districts recorded rainfall above normal levels. Sirmaur witnessed the highest surplus,…

05 Aug

HSC Calgary to Celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day with Pride, Unity and Community Spirit

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta multiculturalism, Calgary events, Calgary News, Hindu Society, Independence day

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Hindu Society of Calgary (HSC) is inviting the entire community to join a grand celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hindu Society of Calgary, 2225 – 24 Avenue NE, Calgary. Celebrating the theme “Let’s Celebrate Freedom, Unity & Progress,” the event will honour India’s historic journey of independence while highlighting the values of cultural heritage, diversity, and community unity. While sharing information about the celebration, Hindu Society of Calgary President Raj Verma & Lokesh Sharma and members of the Board of Trustees invited the community to…

05 Aug

Stronger Laws, Safer Communities: Canada’s Combatting Hate Act Officially in Force

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBill C-9, Canada law, Combatting Hate Act, Criminal Code, free speech, hate crimes, legal protections

OTTAWA (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s new Combatting Hate Act, officially known as Bill C-9, has formally taken effect across the country, marking a significant overhaul of the Criminal Code designed to strengthen legal protections against hate-motivated crimes and safeguard targeted communities. Following its receipt of Royal Assent on June 18, 2026, the legislation came into force on July 18, 2026, as part of a broad federal initiative to combat rising concerns over systemic hatred, intimidation, and violent incidents nationwide. Under the newly implemented law, the federal government has expanded the definitions of hate-related offences, increased criminal penalties for serious hate crimes,…

05 Aug

US Signals Headway in Iran Negotiations, Says Nuclear Issue Remains Core Objective

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran

Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has indicated that diplomatic engagement with Iran is moving in a positive direction, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying discussions are progressing on immediate regional security concerns while a broader agreement centred on Iran's nuclear programme remains the ultimate goal. Speaking about the ongoing negotiations, Rubio said Washington's primary condition for any long-term agreement is that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. He reiterated that the Trump administration continues to prioritise the complete denuclearisation of Iran as the foundation of any comprehensive deal. Rubio explained that current negotiations…

05 Aug

Trump Administration Weighs New H-1B Visa Extension Fee Rule, Indian Workforce Could Face Indirect Impact

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsH-1B visa

Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): The US government is considering a regulatory change that could make extending H-1B and L-1 work visas significantly more expensive for employers, potentially affecting thousands of Indian professionals working in the country and the companies that sponsor them. The proposal, outlined in the Department of Homeland Security's regulatory agenda, seeks to extend the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to visa extension applications. At present, the additional fee is generally applicable only when companies submit an initial H-1B or L-1 petition or when an employee changes employers. If the rule comes into force, qualifying employers would…

05 Aug

Zero FIR Sought Against CJP Organisers Over Minor’s Participation in NEET Protest

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingNEET

Siliguri (Rajeev Sharma): A legal complaint has been filed seeking a Zero FIR against the organisers of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alleging that minors were unlawfully involved in the NEET paper leak protest held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20. Advocate Rinki Chatterjee Singh, who submitted the complaint, has called for action against CJP organisers, including Saurav Das and Abhijeet Dipke, under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Speaking to reporters, Singh questioned why a 12-year-old child was allegedly present at the demonstration, arguing that children of…

05 Aug

Heavy Showers Trigger Rise in Tamsa River, Authorities Keep Close Watch Near Tapkeshwar Temple

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingTamsa River

Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): Persistent rainfall across parts of Uttarakhand has caused the Tamsa River to swell, leading to a sharp increase in the water flow through the historic Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dehradun. The situation developed after continuous rain overnight, following a heavy rainfall alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With the river flowing at a much higher level than usual, officials have stepped up monitoring around the temple and nearby vulnerable locations. The administration has urged devotees and visitors to remain cautious and avoid venturing close to the river until conditions stabilise. The surge in the river…

05 Aug

Himachal Braces for Continued Rain as Overnight Showers Disrupt Services; Over 160 Roads Blocked

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh overnight rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has disrupted transportation and essential services in several districts, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to continue its weather warnings. Authorities have confirmed that the wet spell is expected to persist for nearly a week, with a Yellow Alert in force for Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Wednesday. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the heavy showers have rendered more than 160 roads impassable, while 190 electricity transformers and 58 drinking water supply schemes have been affected. Restoration work is underway, with teams deployed across the impacted regions to…

04 Aug

Alberta Invests Additional $30 Million to Expand Community Health Centres

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced an additional $30 million investment to expand community health centres in Calgary and Edmonton, bringing the total funding to $60 million over four years. The funding aims to improve access to integrated primary care and social support services for vulnerable Albertans facing barriers such as homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges and addiction. The investment will strengthen same-day and ongoing primary care, mental health and addiction services, housing navigation, food access programs and community outreach. Health Minister Justin Wright said the funding will help Albertans access coordinated care closer to home, while Rick…