Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

12 Jun

Conflicting Signals Emerge as US Claims Iran Deal Progress, Tehran Says Approval Still Pending

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsIndia, Iran, Tehran, US

Washington/Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran remain uncertain after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of planned military action, while Iranian officials maintained that negotiations have not yet reached a final stage. Speaking from the White House and later through social media, Trump said he had ordered a halt to scheduled strikes after receiving indications that Iran's top leadership had endorsed a proposed framework aimed at reducing tensions. He described the negotiations as being in an advanced phase and expressed confidence that a broader understanding could soon be reached. The proposed arrangement…

12 Jun

Second Merchant Ship With Indian Crew Targeted Near Oman as Gulf Tensions Deepen

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsIndia, Oman

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The security situation in the Gulf region has become increasingly fragile after another merchant vessel carrying Indian nationals came under attack off the coast of Oman, triggering renewed concerns over the safety of seafarers navigating one of the world's busiest maritime routes. The latest vessel, MT Jalveer, had 20 Indian crew members onboard when it was struck during a US military operation. Indian diplomatic officials in Oman confirmed that every crew member was rescued safely and no injuries were reported. The incident occurred less than a day after India formally lodged a diplomatic protest over an…

11 Jun

RCMP Ask Court for More Time to Examine Former Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s Cellphone

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

CALGARY (Rajeev Sharma): Police are seeking a court-approved extension on a warrant related to the search and forensic examination of electronic devices belonging to former Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek, as part of an ongoing investigation connected to alleged irregularities involving municipal dealings. According to court filings, investigators have requested additional time to complete the digital forensic analysis of the seized cellphone, citing the complexity and volume of data involved. The request does not introduce new allegations but is procedural in nature, allowing law enforcement more time to continue examining already-collected evidence. The search of Gondek’s device was carried out earlier…

11 Jun

Canadian Police Officer of Punjabi Heritage Killed While Attempting to Stop Escaping Suspect

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic incident in Canada has claimed the life of a young police officer of Punjabi origin after he was allegedly struck by a fleeing suspect during an attempted arrest, sending shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the Indian diaspora. The officer, identified as Tarun Bali, 29, was part of a police team attempting to intercept 18-year-old Zonathan Mignalt, who had reportedly escaped from custody while receiving treatment at a hospital. Authorities said officers moved quickly to stop the suspect before he could flee the area. Investigators stated that spike strips were deployed in an effort…

11 Jun

Government Grants Excise Duty Exemption on Additional Ethanol-Petrol Blends to Promote Biofuel Adoption

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingEthanol

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant policy step aimed at strengthening India's biofuel programme, the Central Government has announced central excise duty exemptions for several higher ethanol-petrol blends, paving the way for wider use of cleaner transportation fuels. As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, petrol blended with 22 per cent, 25 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent ethanol will now attract nil central excise duty, subject to compliance with the quality standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The notification expands the existing framework for ethanol-blended fuels by adding new…

11 Jun

Pentagon Escalates Pressure on Iran, Says Fresh US Strikes Aim to Strengthen Diplomatic Leverage

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has carried out a new series of military strikes against targets in Iran, with officials describing the operation as a defensive response to threats against American personnel and commercial shipping operating in regional waters. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the strikes were conducted following orders from Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump, citing ongoing security concerns and repeated hostile actions attributed to Iran. Ahead of the operation, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear that Washington was prepared to increase military pressure while leaving the door open for negotiations. He said Iran still has an…

11 Jun

Donald Trump Highlights Secret Maritime Mission, Claims US Ensured Safe Oil Flow Through Hormuz

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has claimed that a covert military operation authorised by his administration helped secure the Strait of Hormuz and ensured the uninterrupted movement of global energy supplies through one of the world's most strategically important waterways. In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed the US military last month to undertake a confidential mission aimed at protecting oil tankers and commercial vessels operating in the region. According to the President, the operation enabled more than 100 million barrels of crude oil to transit safely through the…

11 Jun

Fourth Suspect Arrested in Ogden Homicide Case Following Cross-Provincial Police Operation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingOgden Homicide Case

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Calgary Police have confirmed a significant development in the Ogden homicide investigation with the arrest of a fourth suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting last year in southeast Calgary. The incident dates back to Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when officers responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. to reports of gunfire in the 7000 block of 20 Street S.E. Upon arrival, police discovered a man deceased outside his vehicle. As the investigation advanced, three suspects one youth and two adult males were previously charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Police continued efforts to…

11 Jun

Donald Trump Reiterates Tough Iran Stand, Credits Pakistan in India Conflict Mediation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has once again defended his administration's hardline approach toward Iran while claiming that Pakistan played a role in encouraging diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Speaking to reporters, Trump also asserted that his intervention helped prevent a possible military confrontation between India and Pakistan from escalating into a nuclear conflict. Highlighting America's military capabilities, Trump described the US armed forces as the strongest in the world and said Washington had temporarily eased pressure on Iran following a request from Pakistan. According to him, Islamabad has maintained communication channels with Tehran and continues to encourage a…

10 Jun

CHCC Hosts PHDCCI India–Canada Business Delegation in Toronto, Advancing CEPA

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma) : The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) successfully hosted a landmark India–Canada Business Delegation and Executive Networking Evening in partnership with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), India, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport. The high-level economic summit brought together prominent business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and international trade executives, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening India–Canada economic relations and expanding bilateral cooperation.The visiting delegation from PHDCCI arrived in Canada as part of an official trade mission aimed at deepening commercial engagement and advancing discussions around the proposed…