Rajeev Sharma

5286 Posts
Centre revises fuel export duties as global crude prices climb amid West Asia tensions

Centre revises fuel export duties as global crude prices climb amid West Asia tensions

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Amid a fresh spike in global crude oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia, the Central Government has announced a revision in windfall taxes on petroleum exports. While export duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) have been increased significantly, the levy on petrol exports has been reduced. The revised rates will take effect from July 16. As per the latest notification, the export duty on diesel has been raised by ₹7 per litre, taking it from ₹8.5 per litre to ₹15.5 per litre. A similar increase has been made for aviation turbine…
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Environment Ministers Push Faster Project Approvals While Reaffirming Commitment to Environmental Protection

Environment Ministers Push Faster Project Approvals While Reaffirming Commitment to Environmental Protection

Calgary, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Environment ministers from the federal, provincial and territorial governments gathered in Calgary for the annual Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) meeting, where discussions centred on balancing environmental protection with economic growth by streamlining regulatory processes and accelerating project approvals. The meeting focused on improving environmental permitting systems without compromising standards designed to safeguard air, water, land and public health. Ministers explored ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory overlap, make approval processes more predictable and encourage investment that supports employment and long-term economic development. Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Grant Hunter, who hosted…
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Mining Firm Ordered to Pay $360,000 After Worker Dies in Alberta Mine Accident

Mining Firm Ordered to Pay $360,000 After Worker Dies in Alberta Mine Accident

Warburg, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): An Alberta-based mining company has been directed to pay $360,000 following a fatal workplace accident at one of its operations, after admitting it failed to meet its legal responsibility to protect the safety of an employee. Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC pleaded guilty in the Leduc Court of Justice to a charge under Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The conviction relates to a workplace incident that claimed the life of a worker at a mine near Warburg in November 2023. Prosecutors withdrew 11 additional charges as part of the court proceedings. According to officials,…
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Surrey Mayor Faces Fresh Pressure Over Police Chief’s Exit, Calls Grow for Full Disclosure

Surrey Mayor Faces Fresh Pressure Over Police Chief’s Exit, Calls Grow for Full Disclosure

Surrey, British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): The controversy surrounding the dismissal of former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski has intensified, with Surrey First councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis demanding complete transparency and opposing any confidentiality agreement linked to the chief's departure. Annis has written to Mayor Brenda Locke and the chair of the Surrey Police Board, urging them not to approve a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that could prevent the public from learning the circumstances surrounding Lipinski's dismissal and the financial details of his severance package. According to Annis, Surrey residents have a right to know how much public money is…
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Alberta Announces $1.4 Million Initiative to Strengthen Rangeland Conservation and Grazing Practices

Alberta Announces $1.4 Million Initiative to Strengthen Rangeland Conservation and Grazing Practices

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has unveiled a $1.4-million investment aimed at protecting and improving the province's vast rangelands, with funding directed toward projects that promote sustainable grazing, ecosystem conservation and long-term agricultural productivity. The financial support is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which channels a portion of grazing lease revenues into initiatives designed to preserve the ecological health of Alberta's grasslands while supporting ranchers and local communities. Provincial officials said the program encourages collaboration between researchers, conservation groups, agricultural organizations and local governments to develop practical strategies for managing rangelands more effectively. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd…
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Young Achievers and Emerging Artists Receive Alberta’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours

Young Achievers and Emerging Artists Receive Alberta’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has celebrated the achievements of some of its most promising young citizens by presenting the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Awards, recognising students and emerging artists for their outstanding contributions to leadership, volunteerism, community service and the arts. The awards were presented during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on July 14, jointly hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alberta government. Eight students from across the province received the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion, an honour that acknowledges exceptional commitment to public service, leadership and community involvement. The award pays tribute to young…
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‘Don’t Ask Me to End My Fast, Walk With Me Instead’: Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Peaceful Parliament March

‘Don’t Ask Me to End My Fast, Walk With Me Instead’: Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Peaceful Parliament March

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has intensified his ongoing protest by urging citizens from across the country to participate in a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, saying public participation is more important than appeals for him to end his hunger strike. In a post on X, Wangchuk responded to growing concern over his health, stating that while he was feeling physically weak, his resolve remained firm. "I'm not in good shape but not so bad either," he wrote, asking supporters to stand with the movement rather than persuade him to call off…
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Himachal Braces for Wet Spell as Weather System Returns; IMD Warns of Heavy Showers from July 18

Himachal Braces for Wet Spell as Weather System Returns; IMD Warns of Heavy Showers from July 18

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): After enjoying nearly a week of largely dry weather, Himachal Pradesh is preparing for another active phase of the monsoon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall from July 18 onward. Officials have cautioned that the fresh spell could bring intense showers, increasing the possibility of flash floods, landslides and overflowing seasonal streams in vulnerable regions. According to meteorologists, a new Western Disturbance is expected to influence the state from Thursday afternoon, gradually strengthening rainfall activity over the following days. While the weather is likely to remain mostly clear until then, cloud cover is expected…
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Argentina Books Consecutive FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Berth After Dramatic Victory Over England

Argentina Books Consecutive FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Berth After Dramatic Victory Over England

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Argentina produced another memorable knockout performance, scoring twice in the closing moments to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final. The reigning champions will now have the opportunity to defend their crown against Spain in the tournament's title clash. England looked set to pull off a major upset after Anthony Gordon put his side ahead in the latter stages of the semifinal. With only minutes remaining, the Three Lions appeared to be within touching distance of their first World Cup final in decades. However, Argentina refused to back down. Constant attacking…
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Hidden Camera Scandal at FedEx Delta Depot Sparks Outrage

Hidden Camera Scandal at FedEx Delta Depot Sparks Outrage

Delta BC (Rajeev Sharma): A major privacy breach at a FedEx depot in Delta, British Columbia, has sparked outrage after police arrested a suspect accused of allegedly installing hidden cameras inside the women’s washroom and secretly recording female employees. Investigators also allege that some of the recordings were uploaded to adult websites without the victims’ knowledge or consent. The Delta facility employs a large number of Punjabi women, many of whom are now concerned that their privacy may have been violated. The accused has been released on court-ordered conditions while the police investigation continues. The allegations have not been proven…
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