Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

23 Jun

Premier Smith and Mayor Farkas Clash Over Stampede Noise Rules as Cowboys Tent Debate Escalates

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A political dispute has intensified between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas over newly implemented noise regulations and curfew restrictions affecting Stampede outdoor venues, including the Cowboys Music Festival, sparking a wider debate on nightlife, public safety, and neighbourhood impact. Mayor Jeromy Farkas has strongly defended the city’s decision to introduce stricter noise controls following hundreds of complaints received during the 2025 Stampede season. The new regulations require weekday concerts to end by midnight, reduce allowable decibel levels, and enforce a gradual step-down in sound throughout the night. The mayor stated that “no permit…

23 Jun

Pre-Monsoon Showers Bring Relief to Himachal, Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Several Districts

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla: A fresh spell of rain and cooler weather has swept across Himachal Pradesh, offering respite from summer temperatures as the state prepares for the arrival of the southwest monsoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued rainfall activity in many parts of the state over the next few days, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in selected districts. According to weather officials, widespread precipitation is likely to persist until the end of the week, with Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla expected to experience periods of intense weather activity. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts,…

23 Jun

Confusion Grows as Telegram Remains Unavailable for Many Users Across India

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Technology, TrendingTelegram

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Telegram users across India continued to report access problems on June 23, with many saying the messaging platform remained largely unusable despite expectations that temporary restrictions linked to the NEET-UG re-examination process would have ended. From the early hours of Monday, social media platforms witnessed a surge of posts from users questioning why Telegram services had not been fully restored. Several individuals claimed they were unable to exchange messages, while others reported difficulties accessing the platform's website and downloading the application through official channels. The ongoing disruption has led to widespread uncertainty, particularly among students, professionals…

23 Jun

Donald Trump Reflects on Keir Starmer’s Departure, Highlights Policy Challenges Facing Britain

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, Keir Starmer

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has offered his perspective on the resignation of former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pointing to a combination of energy policy, migration concerns and public safety issues as major challenges that affected his tenure. During an interaction with journalists, Trump said he had previously voiced concerns about Britain's approach to energy production, arguing that the country should make greater use of its natural resources rather than relying heavily on alternative energy projects. According to Trump, the United Kingdom has significant untapped potential in the North Sea that could help strengthen energy security and…

23 Jun

Donald Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Iran, Says US Prepared to Act if Commitments Are Broken

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, Iran

Washington/Burgenstock (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has delivered a firm message to Iran, warning that Washington is prepared to take decisive action if Tehran fails to honor commitments emerging from ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving tensions over its nuclear programme. Speaking at the White House during an event focused on technology initiatives, Trump stressed that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a top priority for his administration. He indicated that any future agreement would require strict compliance and accountability from Tehran. “If commitments are not respected, appropriate steps will be taken,” Trump told reporters, reiterating that the…

23 Jun

India Mobilises Support After Qatar Industrial Blast Claims Lives of 12 Citizens

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsIndia, Qatar

Doha/New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of India has intensified its outreach efforts in Qatar following the deadly explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City, which claimed the lives of 12 Indian nationals and left several others injured. Expressing grief over the tragedy, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said India stands firmly with the affected families and is closely coordinating with Qatari authorities to ensure all necessary assistance reaches those impacted. The Indian Embassy in Doha has activated emergency response mechanisms and is maintaining direct contact with local officials, hospitals and community representatives. Embassy teams are also assisting families of…

23 Jun

Alberta Government Reverses Planned Alcohol Pricing Change for Bars and Restaurants

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Canada

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has stepped in to halt proposed changes to alcohol pricing in bars and restaurants, directing the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to maintain the existing pricing structure. The move comes after concerns were raised about the potential impact of revised minimum pricing rules on businesses operating in the hospitality sector. Provincial officials said the decision was made to provide greater stability and predictability for both business owners and consumers. Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally announced that the government had instructed AGLC to immediately reverse the planned adjustment. He…

23 Jun

Woman Shot by Police on Deerfoot Trail Dies; ASIRT Launches Investigation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingASIRT, Canada, Deerfoot

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma) : A woman who was shot by a Calgary police officer during a confrontation on Deerfoot Trail Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, prompting an independent investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). According to the Calgary Police Service, the woman had been evading police and driving dangerously across Calgary and surrounding areas for nearly 24 hours. Investigators say her actions included driving the wrong way on one-way streets, running red lights, and being involved in multiple collisions. The incident came to a head at approximately 4:17 p.m. when officers successfully boxed in the…

23 Jun

Alberta Invites Public Feedback on Proposed Ardley Reservoir Project

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has launched a public consultation process on a proposed reservoir near Ardley along the Red Deer River, seeking residents’ views on a project aimed at improving long-term water security across central Alberta. The initiative comes as the province looks for ways to address increasing pressure on water resources driven by population growth, economic expansion and recurring drought conditions. Officials say the proposed reservoir could play a key role in enhancing water storage capacity while also helping manage flood risks. Residents will be able to participate through a series of engagement opportunities, including community meetings, virtual…

23 Jun

Alberta Strengthens Security Measures Ahead of Calgary Stampede

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TechnologyAlberta, Calgary, Calgary Stampede Parade 2025, Stampede

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta authorities are introducing enhanced security arrangements for this year’s Calgary Stampede, with provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies joining forces to improve public safety during one of Canada’s largest annual events. The initiative will see members of the Alberta Sheriffs and the Calgary Police Service working together under a newly established cooperation framework aimed at supporting crowd management and maintaining order throughout the festival period. Officials said the partnership marks a significant step in coordinating resources during the Stampede, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Canada and around the world each year. Dedicated…