Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

13 Mar

Putin Backs US Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine but Seeks to Address Conflict’s Root Causes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsPutin, Russia-Ukraine war, Trump, Ukraine ceasefire, US proposal

Moscow, March 13, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia supports the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stressed that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict to ensure lasting peace."We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," Putin told reporters at a Kremlin press conference. However, he emphasized that the ceasefire must create a foundation for long-term stability. "This cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis," he said, as reported by Reuters. Background and Current Situation The war between Russia and Ukraine began…

13 Mar

President Approves FIR Against Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in ₹1,300 Crore Delhi Classroom Scam

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia300 crore scam, AAP, Delhi classroom scam, Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, ₹1

New Delhi, March 13, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu has approved the registration of an FIR against senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain over an alleged ₹1,300 crore scam linked to the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools, sources said.The case stems from a 2022 report by the Delhi government's vigilance directorate, which recommended a probe into suspected irregularities. The report was submitted to the Chief Secretary after initial investigations pointed to large-scale financial mismanagement. Central Vigilance Commission’s Findings The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) flagged the issue in a report dated February 17, 2020. It highlighted "glaring…

13 Mar

Two men are facing charges after allegedly stealing around $200,000 from a Calgary cricket league

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary Cricket League, Fraud

Calgary, March 13, 2025 ( Rajeev Sharma): According to the Calgary Police Services ( CPS), they began investigating in 2017 when the newly appointed president of the Calgary & District Cricket League (C&DCL) noticed issues with the league’s financial records. After finding a number of discrepancies during an internal review, the league’s president called reported the concerns to police. Police say their investigation found the former treasurer and former president of the C&DCL stole around $200,000 between January 2014 and December 2016 through cheque payments to construction businesses the pair had connections. Police said that funds were allegedly misappropriated through…

12 Mar

The Bank of Canada (BoC) lowered its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBank Of Canada, Interest rates, Lowered

Calgary, March 12, 2025( Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian economy ended 2024 in good shape. Inflation has been close to the 2% target since last summer. Substantial cuts to our policy rate through the second half of last year boosted household spending and economic growth. However, in recent months, the pervasive uncertainty created by continuously changing US tariff threats has shaken business and consumer confidence. This is restraining household spending intentions and businesses’ plans to hire and invest. Against this backdrop, and with inflation near the 2% target, Governing Council decided to reduce the policy rate a further 25 basis points.…

12 Mar

Indian Soldier Injured in Suspected Sniper Attack Along LoC in Rajouri

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndian soldier injured, LoC firing, Rajouri sniper attack

Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir – March 12, 2025 – An Indian Army soldier was injured in a suspected sniper attack along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kalsian sector of Nowshera, Rajouri district, on Wednesday morning. The attack has heightened tensions in the region, prompting a swift response from the Indian Army. Attack and Immediate Response The soldier was stationed at a forward post when he was struck by a sniper bullet, allegedly fired from across the border. Fellow soldiers immediately provided first aid before the injured soldier was airlifted to the Command Hospital in Udhampur for advanced medical…

12 Mar

Government Introduces Major Changes to Passport Rules, Birth Certificate Now Mandatory

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBirth Certificate, New Passport Guidelines, Passport Color Coding, Passport Rules

New Delhi – March 12, 2025 – The Central Government has announced significant changes to passport rules, aiming to streamline the application process and enhance security. The new regulations, which come into effect from October 1, 2023, introduce stricter documentation requirements and a revamped passport design. Birth Certificate Now Mandatory for New Applicants Under the updated rules, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must present a valid birth certificate when applying for a passport. The certificate must be issued by the local municipal corporation, the registrar of births and deaths, or any authority recognized under the Registration of…

11 Mar

Calgary Airport to consolidate screening into faster, more convenient security checkpoints

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary Airport, CATSA+, centralized screening, CT X-Ray, efficient screening, faster screening, security checkpoints, YYC

Calgary, Match 11, 2025, (National Times) : Construction is underway at the YYC Calgary International Airport Domestic Terminal building to consolidate all domestic security checkpoints into one centralized screening process. The updated infrastructure will eliminate the need to remove laptops, and permitted liquids, aerosols and gels from carry-on bags, making the screening process faster, more efficient and convenient.“This is a game changer,” says Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer at the Calgary Airport Authority. “We’ll bring three separate screening checkpoints into one consolidated location that will move people through faster and allow us to meet and exceed expected passenger growth for…

11 Mar

Baloch Liberation Army Claims to Hold 182 Hostages on Jaffar Express, 20 Military Personnel Killed

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsBaloch Liberation Army, hostage crisis, Jaffar Express attack, Pakistani military

Balochistan, March 11, 2025 – The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for seizing the Jaffar Express and holding 182 passengers hostage for over six hours, killing 20 Pakistani military personnel in the process. Attack on Jaffar Express The Jaffar Express was traveling from Quetta in Pakistan's Balochistan province to Peshawar when it came under heavy fire. Pakistani local media reported that over 450 passengers and staff are feared to be held hostage. The BLA said its fighters from the Majeed Brigade are holding the hostages and warned that any rescue attempt by the Pakistani military would lead to the…

11 Mar

Militants Hijack Jaffar Express in Pakistan, Over 100 Taken Hostage

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsBaloch Liberation Army, BLA, Jaffar Express, Train Hijacking

Bolan, Pakistan – March 11, 2025 – The Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was hijacked by armed militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan’s Bolan district, sparking a major security crisis. Attack and Hostage Situation The attack occurred early Tuesday morning when the train, carrying approximately 400 passengers, was intercepted by heavily armed militants. The BLA claimed responsibility, stating that they had taken over 100 passengers hostage, including several security personnel. Reports indicate that at least six military personnel were killed during the assault.Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as militants stormed the train, firing…

11 Mar

Delhi to Amritsar in Just 4 Hours: New Expressway to Open in 3 Months

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDelhi-Amritsar expressway, Express Highways, Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi, March 11, 2025 – Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government will launch express highways within the next two to three months, cutting travel time between major cities, including a significant reduction on the Delhi-Amritsar route. Delhi-Amritsar in 4 Hours Currently, the road journey from Delhi to Amritsar takes around 8 hours. The new expressway will slash this time to just 4 hours, transforming connectivity between the national capital and Punjab’s cultural hub."In two to three months, travel time between Delhi and Amritsar will be halved. This will provide a huge boost to…