Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

07 Jul

Alberta and Ontario Unite for Northern Shield Corridor, Europe in Sight

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a bold move that could reshape Canada’s energy map for decades, Alberta and Ontario have joined forces to advance the proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor, a major pipeline initiative designed to move Alberta crude oil eastward to Ontario refineries and eventually open new export routes to Europe through Atlantic ports. Premier Danielle Smith described the corridor as a nation building project that would strengthen Canada’s energy independence, create thousands of jobs, and reduce the country’s reliance on the United States as the dominant gateway for Canadian oil exports. She said the project represents an opportunity for…

07 Jul

FOOTBALL’S NEW POWER STRUGGLE: SPAIN RISE AS RONALDO ERA ENDS IN WORLD CUP 2026 BATTLE

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA World Cup 2026, Ronaldo

Canada (Rajeev Sharma): The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its decisive stage, with football’s biggest nations battling for a place in history. The knockout rounds have delivered dramatic finishes, emotional exits and surprising performances as the race for the trophy intensifies. Spain emerged as one of the biggest winners after defeating Portugal in a thrilling encounter. A late goal from Mikel Merino ended Portugal’s campaign and marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey, closing one of football’s greatest international careers. Spain’s combination of young talent, tactical discipline and possession-based football has made them one of the strongest…

07 Jul

Calgary Stampede Faces New Challenge: Attendance Drops as Rising Costs and Changing Visitor Habits Spark Debate

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaCalgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most celebrated cultural events, has entered the spotlight this year as early attendance numbers show a decline compared with 2025, raising questions about affordability, visitor experience and the future direction of the iconic festival. Stampede officials reported that 327,456 people attended during the first three days of the 2026 festival, compared with 338,971 visitors during the same period in 2025, marking a decrease of more than 11,000 attendees. The slowdown comes after a record-breaking period, with last year’s Stampede welcoming nearly 1.47 million visitors, close to the all-time attendance record set…

07 Jul

From Community Celebration to Political Controversy: Redstone Stampede Breakfast Draws Thousands, Ends in Dispute

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary, Redstone

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma) : A successful community celebration that brought together nearly 6,000 residents at the Redstone Community Association’s Stampede Breakfast became the centre of a political discussion after a disagreement emerged between organizers and NDP MLA Gurinder Brar over event protocol, stage scheduling, and political representation. The annual Stampede Breakfast was attended by thousands of families, volunteers, community leaders, elected representatives, and dignitaries. The event featured live music, breakfast, family activities, and opportunities for residents to meet Alberta Premier Denielle Smith, Calgary’s Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Dy. Police Chief Asif Rashid and other public officials. Organizers described the gathering…

07 Jul

Citizen Initiative Petition on Alberta Independence Enters Verification Stage After Court Order

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The process of verifying signatures collected for Alberta’s proposed independence referendum officially began on July 6, following a direction from the Court of Appeal that allowed Elections Alberta to move ahead with the review while legal proceedings continue. The petition, titled “A Referendum Relating to Alberta Independence,” seeks public support for a constitutional referendum asking whether Alberta should separate from Canada and become an independent state. Although the proposal remains the subject of an ongoing legal challenge, the court has instructed the province’s election authority to complete the signature verification process and report its findings. The petition…

07 Jul

Alberta Emerges as AI Leader After Reinventing Government Technology; Shares Open Blueprint with Other Governments

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has positioned itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence adoption in the public sector after using AI-powered systems to overhaul decades-old government technology in a fraction of the time traditionally required. The provincial government has also made its transformation model publicly available, inviting governments worldwide to adopt similar practices. According to the Alberta government, the initiative has modernised critical digital infrastructure that supports essential public services, including emergency response, registries, social benefit programs and cybersecurity. Officials say tasks that once demanded years of manual effort can now be completed within hours using advanced AI tools. As…

07 Jul

Alberta Backs Proposed Cross-Canada Oil Pipeline, Says Project Will Boost Energy Security and Economic Growth

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed Ontario's proposal for a new cross-country oil pipeline, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening Canada's energy network and improving access to domestic and international markets. The proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor would connect Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario, creating a route of approximately 3,300 kilometres. The project is intended to transport Alberta crude directly to refineries in eastern Canada while also improving export opportunities through ports connected to international shipping routes. In a statement issued on Monday, Smith said the initiative would support Alberta's long-term objective of increasing oil…

07 Jul

IMD Forecasts Wet Week for Himachal Pradesh; Authorities Warn of Heavy Rain, Flooding and Slope Failures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued monsoon activity across Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rainfall expected to affect several districts over the coming days. In view of the forecast, authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain cautious as the possibility of landslides, flash floods and road disruptions increases. According to the weather department, the southwest monsoon has strengthened over the region, creating conditions favourable for widespread rainfall across both lower and higher elevations. The current spell is expected to continue for nearly a week, with isolated places likely to receive intense showers. Rainfall Brings Cooler…

07 Jul

Donald Trump Says Iran Must Choose Diplomacy or Face Consequences, Reaffirms US Stand on Nuclear Programme

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Iran, stating that Tehran faces a clear choice between reaching a diplomatic agreement with Washington or risking stronger action if negotiations fail. Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States remains focused on ensuring that Iran is permanently prevented from developing nuclear weapons. While reiterating his preference for diplomacy, he warned that the US has the capability to respond decisively if talks collapse. “We want a peaceful resolution, but we are fully prepared if that does not happen,” Trump said, adding that his administration's objective is…

07 Jul

Belgium Cruise Past USA to Set Up Spain Clash as Hosts Crash Out of FIFA World Cup 2026

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingBelgium, FIFA World Cup 2026

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Belgium delivered an impressive all-round performance to defeat the United States 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, knocking the tournament hosts out of the competition and securing a place in the quarterfinals. The Red Devils looked sharp from the opening whistle, with Charles De Ketelaere emerging as the standout performer. The Belgian midfielder netted two goals and also created another, playing a decisive role in his team's convincing victory. The United States briefly revived hopes after Malik Tillman curled home a superb free kick to restore parity midway through the first half. However,…