Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

05 Aug

Himachal Braces for Continued Rain as Overnight Showers Disrupt Services; Over 160 Roads Blocked

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh overnight rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has disrupted transportation and essential services in several districts, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to continue its weather warnings. Authorities have confirmed that the wet spell is expected to persist for nearly a week, with a Yellow Alert in force for Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Wednesday. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the heavy showers have rendered more than 160 roads impassable, while 190 electricity transformers and 58 drinking water supply schemes have been affected. Restoration work is underway, with teams deployed across the impacted regions to…

04 Aug

Alberta Invests Additional $30 Million to Expand Community Health Centres

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced an additional $30 million investment to expand community health centres in Calgary and Edmonton, bringing the total funding to $60 million over four years. The funding aims to improve access to integrated primary care and social support services for vulnerable Albertans facing barriers such as homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges and addiction. The investment will strengthen same-day and ongoing primary care, mental health and addiction services, housing navigation, food access programs and community outreach. Health Minister Justin Wright said the funding will help Albertans access coordinated care closer to home, while Rick…

04 Aug

25 US States Challenge Donald Trump Administration’s New Tariff Policy in Court; Proposed Measures Could Have Trade Implications for India

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): A major legal battle has erupted in the United States after a coalition of 25 states challenged the Trump administration's latest tariff policy, arguing that the new import duties exceed presidential authority and place an unfair burden on businesses and consumers. The case has been filed before the US Court of International Trade, adding fresh uncertainty to Washington's evolving trade strategy. The lawsuit targets tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% that were recently imposed on imports from dozens of countries under a policy aimed at discouraging products allegedly linked to forced labour. According to the states, the…

04 Aug

Two Firefighters Lose Lives in Factory Fire Rescue Operation After Structure Collapses in Greater Noida

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingGreater Noida

Greater Noida (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night firefighting operation at an electronics chip manufacturing facility in Greater Noida ended in tragedy after part of the building gave way, killing two fire department personnel and injuring three others. The incident took place in the Ecotech-3 police station area, where emergency services were dispatched after reports of a fire at the industrial unit. Firefighters entered the premises to control the blaze and carry out rescue operations when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed. Building Debris Falls on Fire Crew According to DCP (Central Noida) Shailendra Kumar Singh, a wall and a heavy…

04 Aug

US Military Seeks Fresh Ideas to Increase Pressure on Iran as Conventional Options Narrow: Report

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States military is reportedly reassessing its approach toward Iran, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) inviting personnel to suggest new and unconventional strategies to deal with Tehran. The move comes amid growing indications that existing military measures have not produced the desired strategic results. According to a CNN report, CENTCOM's intelligence division recently circulated an internal email encouraging military experts to contribute innovative ideas on how to intensify pressure on Iran. Officials described the initiative as part of a broader review of operational planning as Washington evaluates its next course of action. Unusual Call for…

04 Aug

Donald Trump Renews Pressure on Iran, Claims Talks Are Underway; Tehran Denies Any Negotiations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran after President Donald Trump claimed that negotiations were in progress, while Tehran firmly rejected the assertion, saying no talks have been scheduled. Speaking during an event at the White House, Trump said Iran had sought discussions through regional intermediaries and described the current phase as a crucial opportunity for Tehran to reach an agreement. He warned that the country now faced a choice between accepting a deal or confronting serious consequences. Tehran Rejects US Claims Iran, however, dismissed the US…

04 Aug

Heated Dispute at Canadian Gurdwara Over Donation Funds; Meeting Erupts into Physical Altercation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): A dispute over the management and accounting of Gurdwara donation funds turned into a physical confrontation at a Gurdwara in Canada, with members of two rival groups allegedly clashing during a committee meeting. Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, prompting widespread discussion within the community. According to reports, the meeting had been convened to review the accounts related to the Gurdwara's golak (donation box). However, disagreements between rival factions quickly escalated into a heated exchange, which later resulted in pushing, shoving and physical confrontation inside the premises. President Accused of Assault and…

04 Aug

IMD Forecasts Six More Days of Rain in Himachal; Yellow Alert in Three Districts as Monsoon Deficit Persists

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Monsoon conditions are expected to remain active across Himachal Pradesh, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting widespread light to moderate rainfall over the next six days. A Yellow Alert has been sounded for Una, Bilaspur and Kangra on Monday, warning of isolated spells of heavy rain. The weather department has also indicated that rainfall activity is likely to continue in the coming days, with Kangra and Mandi expected to remain under a Yellow Alert on August 5 due to the possibility of intense showers at isolated locations. State Still Behind Seasonal Rainfall Average Although several regions…

04 Aug

WestJet Strike Ends: Tentative Deal Reached After Travel Chaos Leaves Thousands of Passengers Stranded

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingWestJet

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to a strike that disrupted hundreds of flights and created major travel uncertainty during the peak summer vacation season. The agreement between WestJet and CUPE, which represents approximately 4,400 flight attendants at the Calgary-based airline, was reached early Monday after a brief but disruptive work stoppage. The key issue behind the dispute was flight attendants’ demand to be paid from the time they report for duty until they finish their shifts, rather than primarily being compensated only for time when…

03 Aug

CHCC Gala 2026 Commences in Calgary with Grand Celebration of Culture, Business Excellence and Community Unity

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) Gala 2026 commenced in Calgary with great enthusiasm and elegance, bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs, professionals, elected officials and community leaders from across Canada. The prestigious evening celebrated the achievements of the Hindu business community while promoting entrepreneurship, cultural heritage and national unity. The event opened with a spiritually uplifting atmosphere as Sushree Mishra presented a graceful Ganesh Vandana, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for prosperity and success. This was followed by the chanting of sacred Vedic mantras by Acharya Vinod Sodial, who blessed the gathering and prayed for…