Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Jul

OSCAA Organising Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2026 in Calgary on July 19

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary events, community celebration, Jagannath festival, OSCAA, Ratha Yatra

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Odia Social & Cultural Association of Alberta (OSCAA) is organizing the Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2026 on Sunday, July 19, 2026, bringing together the community for a celebration of faith, culture, and universal brotherhood. Dedicated to all cultures and faiths, the festival will showcase the rich traditions of the Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra while promoting unity, harmony, and inclusiveness among Calgary’s diverse communities. The celebration will feature the traditional Chariot Pulling Ceremony, where devotees and community members will participate in this sacred journey, along with vibrant Indian cultural performances and free Satwik Prasad for attendees. The…

15 Jul

Alberta, Quebec Partner to Expand AI Use in Government, Focus on Faster Public Services

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Quebec

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and Quebec have announced a new interprovincial partnership to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in government, with both provinces aiming to improve public services, modernize operations and reduce costs through shared innovation. The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will allow the two provinces to collaborate on AI policy, governance, workforce training and digital transformation. Officials say the initiative is intended to help governments deliver services more efficiently while ensuring responsible implementation of emerging technologies. Under the pact, Alberta's Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish joined Quebec's Minister of Cybersecurity and…

15 Jul

Alberta Announces Additional $16 Million to Expand Support for Family Violence Survivors

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has unveiled a fresh investment of $16 million to strengthen services for people affected by family violence, aiming to improve access to support programs and help agencies better respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals across the province. The funding comes on top of the $62 million previously committed toward family violence initiatives and will be channelled through the Emergency Family Violence Services program. According to the government, nearly $15 million will be directed into three new funding streams designed to enhance community-based services, while more than $700,000 has been earmarked to help family…

15 Jul

Alberta to Build Seven New Schools as Student Population Continues to Rise

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has announced the construction of seven new schools across Edmonton, Calgary and Chestermere in a move aimed at expanding classroom capacity and meeting the demands of the province's rapidly increasing student population. The upcoming projects, which are expected to begin construction shortly, will add more than 6,100 student spaces through a mix of elementary and junior high schools. The initiative is part of the province's broader effort to strengthen educational infrastructure in fast-growing communities. Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the investment is intended to ensure that families have access to modern schools located closer to…

15 Jul

Alberta Panel Invites Public Feedback on Lobbying Law Review

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future has opened a public consultation as part of its ongoing review of the province’s Lobbyists Act, encouraging residents to share their views on how lobbying activities should be regulated. Albertans can submit written comments until 12 noon on August 17, 2026, either through the online portal on the Legislative Assembly’s website or via email. The committee has clarified that submissions, along with the names of contributors, may be made publicly available during the review process. The Lobbyists Act governs interactions between lobbyists and public office holders in Alberta. Its primary…

15 Jul

Plumbing Contractor Penalised After Worker Dies in Trench Collapse

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A plumbing contracting company has been ordered to pay a total of $330,000 after a worker lost his life in a trench collapse at a construction site in Calgary, underscoring the importance of workplace safety compliance. According to court proceedings, Mr. Mike’s Plumbing Ltd. admitted guilt to one violation under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to ensure the safety of one of its employees. The company entered its guilty plea before the Calgary Court of Justice on July 13, while prosecutors withdrew ten additional charges linked to the case. The prosecution stemmed from…

15 Jul

Rising Temperatures Replace Rain in Himachal, Weather Shift Expected Later This Week

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): A temporary pause in monsoon activity has brought warmer and more humid conditions back to Himachal Pradesh, with daytime temperatures climbing noticeably across several districts. While residents continue to experience clear skies, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rainfall will return towards the end of the week. Meteorological officials said the state is currently witnessing a weak phase of the southwest monsoon, resulting in limited rainfall over the past few days. As a result, temperatures have risen steadily, particularly in the lower hills and plains. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 36.2 degrees Celsius,…

15 Jul

US FBI Seeks Punjab-Origin Man in Global Organised Crime Investigation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsFBI, Punjab, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public notice identifying Nitish Kaushal as a wanted individual in connection with an alleged international criminal syndicate believed to have operated across multiple countries. In a post shared by the agency, the FBI alleged that Kaushal is associated with a transnational organisation that reportedly began in Punjab, India, before expanding its activities to several overseas locations, including California in the United States. Investigators claim the network is suspected of involvement in a wide range of serious offences, including homicide, abduction, drug distribution, extortion, illegal arms trafficking, money laundering…

15 Jul

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Clinical Spain Outclass France to Book FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Spot

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA World Cup 2026, France, Spain

Spain (Rajeev Sharma): Spain delivered another composed performance on the biggest stage, defeating France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final to seal a place in the tournament's final. The victory in Arlington, Texas, underlined Spain's growing dominance over their European rivals, having now defeated France in three successive major knockout encounters. The breakthrough came in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the area. Spain maintained control throughout the opening period, dictating possession and preventing France from finding rhythm in attack. France's evening became more complicated when defender…

14 Jul

‘Everything Happened Within Minutes’: Vietnam Boat Crash Survivor Recalls Terrifying Moments Before Tragedy

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World News

Chennai (Rajeev Sharma): A survivor of the Vietnam speedboat accident that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists has described the terrifying moments when a routine island transfer turned into a disaster within minutes. Nirmal Kumar, who returned to Chennai on July 13 night, said the boat overturned shortly after beginning its journey near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island. He recalled that a sudden, powerful wave caused the vessel to lose balance, leaving several passengers trapped inside. The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it capsized on July 11. While 16…