Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

13 Jul

Nepal’s Eviction Drive Sparks Nationwide Youth Outrage, Government Faces Growing Public Backlash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsNepal

Nepal (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh wave of public anger is sweeping across Nepal as protests against the government's anti-encroachment campaign continue to expand, with young activists leading demonstrations demanding justice for families displaced during recent eviction drives. The unrest has emerged as one of the strongest public challenges to Prime Minister Balen Shah's administration since it assumed office. Large crowds gathered in Kathmandu on Monday, accusing authorities of forcing hundreds of landless families out of informal settlements without providing permanent rehabilitation or dignified living arrangements. Protesters described the government's approach as "inhumane" and urged officials to suspend further demolitions until…

13 Jul

SI Faces Suspension, Legal Action After Child Seen Driving in Viral Clip; Telangana Police Launch Probe

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Telangana (Rajeev Sharma): A Telangana Police sub-inspector is facing suspension and departmental proceedings after a video allegedly showing his young granddaughter behind the wheel of a car went viral on social media. The incident has also resulted in a criminal case being registered over permitting a minor to drive. The Cyberabad Traffic Police said the matter pertains to the Narsingi Police Station area, where the child, reportedly around six-and-a-half years old, was seen driving a vehicle while an adult accompanied her. After the footage surfaced online, police initiated legal action against the guardian responsible for allowing the child to operate…

13 Jul

OCSA’s 3rd Annual Khed Mela Set to Bring Punjabi Culture, Community Spirit to Airdrie on August 2

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsOCSA

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Overseas Cultural Society of Airdrie (OCSA) is preparing to host its 3rd Annual Khed Mela on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, promising an evening filled with Punjabi culture, family entertainment, traditional games, live performances and community celebration. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from Airdrie, Calgary and neighbouring communities. Organized to celebrate Punjabi heritage while fostering multicultural harmony, the annual Khed Mela has become a popular summer gathering that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Organizers say the festival is designed…

13 Jul

Bangkok Nightclub Inferno Claims 27 Lives; Survivors Recall Panic as Smoke Engulfed Venue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsBangkok

Bangkok (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night fire at a crowded entertainment venue in Bangkok turned into a major tragedy after at least 27 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries, Thai officials confirmed on Monday. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine what sparked the blaze. The incident occurred shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub, where customers had gathered for live music and weekend celebrations. Witnesses said the atmosphere changed within seconds as smoke began filling the venue, triggering panic among those inside. According to preliminary findings, the fire may have originated near the electrical system…

13 Jul

Global Oil Markets Rally Amid Renewed Gulf Tensions; Traders Eye Hormuz Shipping Risks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsHormuz

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Crude oil prices registered a sharp increase on Monday as investors reacted to the latest military developments involving the United States and Iran, reigniting concerns over the security of energy supplies from the Gulf. The renewed escalation has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz under the spotlight, with traders fearing that any disruption to shipping could tighten global crude availability. During early trading, Brent crude moved close to the $80-per-barrel mark, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also advanced by more than four per cent. The gains came after reports of fresh US military strikes targeting…

13 Jul

Brief Monsoon Pause in Himachal Pradesh as Weather Turns Stable; Rain Likely to Return Next Week

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is set to witness a temporary reduction in rainfall over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting only scattered light showers until the middle of the week. The respite comes after an active spell of monsoon showers that pushed the state's rainfall figures well above the seasonal average. The weather office has not issued any rain alert for any district between July 13 and July 16, indicating relatively stable conditions across most regions. Skies are expected to remain partly cloudy, while isolated areas may receive brief spells of light rain. Meteorologists said…

13 Jul

Monsoon Activity Eases Across Punjab; Rain Forecast Limited to Select Areas, Rescue Efforts Continue for Missing Boys

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingPunjab

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): After days of active monsoon conditions, Punjab is witnessing a brief lull in rainfall, though isolated showers are expected to continue in parts of the state. Weather officials have indicated that widespread rain is unlikely over the coming days, with humid conditions set to dominate until the monsoon regains strength later this month. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rainfall is likely in several districts on Monday, particularly in northern and central Punjab. Areas including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Mohali may witness brief…

13 Jul

Fresh US-Iran Military Exchange Deepens Gulf Crisis; Tehran Says Prospects for Dialogue Have Diminished

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsTehran

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A new round of military action between the United States and Iran has further heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Tehran accusing Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts after American strikes reportedly left one person dead and several others injured. Iranian officials said the latest attack targeted an agricultural pumping station in the city of Mahshahr, describing the strike as an unjustified escalation. The government maintained that repeated military operations by the US have significantly weakened the possibility of resolving differences through negotiations. The fresh confrontation unfolded against the backdrop of growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz,…

12 Jul

Portage College Calgary Graduates Seek Answers After PGWP Refusals

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A growing number of international graduates in Alberta are raising concerns after receiving Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) refusals, creating uncertainty for students who say they completed their studies with the expectation of gaining Canadian work experience after graduation. Students involved in the matter say approximately 250 graduates may have been affected, although this figure has not been independently verified. The concerns involve graduates from programs connected with Portage College Calgary and partner campus locations in Alberta. Several students say their PGWP applications were refused after they completed their studies, and they are now seeking clarity regarding the…

11 Jul

GMCH Chandigarh Gets NMC Approval to Increase MBBS Seats from 150 to 200

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingGMCH Chandigarh

Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): In a major boost to medical education in the region, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted approval to Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, for enhancement of its annual MBBS intake from 150 to 200 seats with effect from the Academic Session 2026–27. The approval marks a significant milestone in GMCH Chandigarh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen undergraduate medical education and expand access to quality medical training. With the addition of 50 MBBS seats, a larger number of aspiring medical students will now have the opportunity to pursue medical education at one of North India’s premier…