Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

26 Feb

Yeh Shaam Preet Ke Naam: Soulful Tribute to Jagjit Singh to Grace Calgary Stage on February 28

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary concert, Engineered Air Theatre, ghazal tribute, Indian music, Jagjit Singh

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Calgary’s lovers of ghazals and classic melodies are set to witness a memorable musical evening as “Yeh Shaam Preet Ke Naam – Tribute to Jagjit Singh” is being presented on February 28, 2026, at the Engineered Air Theatre (234 9 Ave SE, Calgary). The concert is dedicated to celebrating the timeless musical legacy of legendary ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, whose soulful voice and poetic expression continue to touch hearts across generations. The evening will feature powerful and melodious performances by Nilesh Prashad, Kavita Jayaram, Gursharan Singh, Valorine Melani (Meeka Singh), Baljit Kalsi, Arijita Roy Gautham, Sohail…

25 Feb

Trump Claims Credit for Averting India-Pakistan Conflict in State of the Union, India Rejects Role

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDonald Trump, India Pakistan conflict, Pahalgam terror attack, Shehbaz Sharif, State of the Union

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that he had helped end eight conflicts during his first 10 months in office, including tensions between India and Pakistan following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack.Speaking during his State of the Union Address, Trump asserted that his intervention prevented a potential nuclear confrontation between the two South Asian neighbours.“In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars... Cambodia and Thailand... Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. As many as 35 million people, said the Prime Minister of Pakistan, would have died if it were not for my…

25 Feb

Modi Addresses Knesset, Condemns Terrorism and Receives Top Parliamentary Honour Amid Political Walkout

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIndia-Israel relations, Israel Parliament speech, Knesset, Narendra Modi, October 7 attack, terrorism

Jerusalem (Rajeev Sharma): In a speech marked by repeated applause and symbolic gestures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Israeli Parliament, asserting that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians” and reiterating India’s uncompromising stand against terrorism.Opening his address with “Shalom! Namaste!”, Modi told members of the Knesset that it was a privilege to stand as “the Prime Minister of India and as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another.” He conveyed greetings from 1.4 billion Indians and described India-Israel ties as deeply rooted in history, strengthened by democratic values and elevated into a strategic partnership…

25 Feb

ED Attaches Anil Ambani’s ₹3,716 Crore Mumbai Residence ‘Abode’ in RCOM Loan Fraud Probe

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAnil Ambani, Enforcement Directorate, PMLA attachment, RCOM loan fraud, Reliance Communications

Mumbai, February 25, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has provisionally attached the Mumbai residence of Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani, ‘Abode’, valued at ₹3,716.83 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).The action comes a day before the 66-year-old industrialist is scheduled to appear before the federal agency in Mumbai for a second round of questioning in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud case linked to Reliance Communications (RCOM).According to the agency, the 17-storey luxury residence, approximately 66 metres high, is located in Mumbai’s upscale Pali Hill area. The provisional attachment order has been issued…

25 Feb

British Columbia Speaker Issues Rare Public Rebuke After Chaotic Question Period

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaB.C. Legislature news, B.C. merit commissioner office closure, Raj Chouhan Speaker rebuke, Trevor Halford B.C. Conservatives

Victoria, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma): The Speaker of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly, Raj Chouhan, delivered a sharp and rare public reprimand to members of the legislature on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The rebuke followed a particularly contentious question period that devolved into shouting, persistent heckling, and repeated interruptions, prompting the Speaker to label the display an "embarrassment" to the province. As the proceedings concluded, Speaker Chouhan directed his frustration at both sides of the house, emphasizing that the public expects a higher standard of decorum. "Don’t try to be too cool. The public watches us every day," Chouhan warned, asserting that…

25 Feb

Trump Proclaims “Golden Age” in Marathon State of the Union Address

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDonald Trump State of the Union 2026, Iran nuclear program, roaring economy, SAVE America Act, Trump SOTU highlights

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma) — In the longest State of the Union address in modern history, President Donald Trump stood before a deeply divided Congress on Tuesday night to declare that a "Golden Age of America" has arrived. Over the course of a 108-minute speech, the President combined optimistic economic rhetoric with fierce attacks on his political rivals, framing his first year back in office as a "turnaround for the ages" that has restored American pride and global respect. The President focused heavily on the economy during the first hour, insisting that his administration has successfully sparked a "roaring" economic…

25 Feb

Charley Crockett Denied Entry into Canada; Canadian Tour Dates Cancelled

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, EntertainmentCharley Crockett Canada tour canceled, Charley Crockett denied entry 2026, Jake Vaadeland Sturgeon River Boys, TCU Place Saskatoon concert news

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Acclaimed Texas country singer Charley Crockett has been forced to cancel the Canadian leg of his 2026 North American tour after being denied entry into the country this past weekend. The 41-year-old musician, known for his unique blend of country-folk and blues, was scheduled to perform at Saskatoon’s TCU Place this Wednesday, February 25, followed by a series of shows across major cities including Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The denial of entry stems from a March 2016 conviction in Virginia for felony possession and trafficking of marijuana. In a heartfelt post on his Instagram account, Crockett explained…

25 Feb

Toronto Man Arrested After Year-Long Online Child Exploitation Probe

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Niagara Regional Police have apprehended a 50-year-old Toronto man following an extensive undercover investigation into child exploitation that lasted nearly a year. The probe, spearheaded by the Niagara Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, was launched in March 2025 as a proactive measure to identify individuals utilizing the internet to target children for sexual purposes. By February 2026, the investigation expanded to include the Peel Regional Police ICE Unit after authorities determined the suspect was continuing his illicit online activities. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, officers arrested Joseph Michael Mortillaro and charged him with two counts of luring…

25 Feb

Jason McKay Sentenced Again to Life in Prison for 2017 Murder of Wife

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaJason McKay sentencing Regina, Jenny murder case 2017, Justice Beverly Klatt ruling, Regina second-degree murder plea

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Nearly nine years after the brutal killing of his wife, Jason McKay has been sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 17 years. This decision, handed down by Justice Beverly Klatt at the Court of King’s Bench on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, mirrors the original sentence McKay received in 2020 before a successful appeal led to a retrial. McKay formally pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on January 23, 2026, marking the end of a long and painful legal journey for the victim's family. The case dates back to September 2017, when 33-year-old Jenny…

25 Feb

Strategic National Expansion Drives Profit Surge for National Bank of Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, CanadaCanadian Western Bank acquisition, CWB integration update, National Bank of Canada earnings Q1 2026, National Bank profit growth

Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): National Bank of Canada reported a robust increase in its first-quarter earnings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, largely credited to the successful integration of the Canadian Western Bank (CWB). The Montreal-based financial institution, which ranks as Canada’s sixth-largest lender, outperformed market expectations by leveraging its newly expanded footprint in Alberta and British Columbia. This strategic acquisition has transitioned the bank from a regional powerhouse in Quebec to a formidable national player, providing a significant lift to its bottom line during a period of economic transition. Financial disclosures indicate that the CWB deal accounted for a nearly 20%…