Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

26 Jan

Canada has no plans for free trade deal with China: PM Mark Carney

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada China relations, Canada US trade, Donald Trump tariffs, Mark Carney, USMCA

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday said that Canada has no intention of pursuing a free trade agreement with China, responding to US President Donald Trump’s warning of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa moved ahead with a trade deal with Beijing. Carney clarified that Canada’s recent engagement with China does not amount to a free trade agreement, but instead focuses on resolving limited tariff-related issues that arose over the past two years. He said Canada has no intention of entering into free trade agreements with China or any other non-market economy.…

26 Jan

Canada PM Mark Carney Likely to Visit India in Early March; Major Deals Expected Across Energy, Minerals and Tech

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, IndiaCanada energy ties, critical minerals, India Canada relations, Mark Carney India visit, nuclear cooperation, uranium supply deal

New Delh/Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in the first week of March, with several agreements expected to be signed across energy, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation and emerging technologies, India’s High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik told news agency Reuters. The proposed visit is being seen as a significant step in Canada’s effort to diversify its trade and strategic partnerships beyond the United States, which remains its largest trading partner. Officials on both sides are working towards finalising a comprehensive package of agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to Patnaik, Prime Minister…

26 Jan

Google Doodle celebrates 77th Republic Day with ISRO themed illustration

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsGoogle Doodle, Republic Day

National Times Bureau :- Google marked India’s 77th Republic Day with a special doodle inspired by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), celebrating a landmark year for the country’s space program. The tribute highlights major ISRO missions, including Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan. Google India’s post on X read, “Dreaming, exploring, and reaching for the stars… here’s to ISRO’s spirit of exploration.” The Republic Day 2026 Google Doodle features satellites, orbital paths, and other space-themed visuals creatively embedded into the letters of “GOOGLE.” While Google has not provided an official explanation of the design, the artwork reflects India’s growing achievements in space…

26 Jan

Iran-US Crisis Intensifies: Over 36,500 Iranians Killed During January 8-9 Protests Amid Military Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsConflict, Iran, Tension, US, US Iran tensions

National Times Bureau :- As hostilities escalate between Iran and the United States, reports indicate that President Donald Trump received a WhatsApp message delivered by his envoy Steve Witkoff, containing communications from Iran’s Foreign Minister and President. The message reportedly urged Trump to delay any potential military action. Meanwhile, in central Tehran Square, Iranian authorities unveiled a large mural directly warning the United States against attempting an attack. The mural depicts a US aircraft carrier surrounded by damaged and exploding fighter jets. Bodies litter the deck, and blood trails into the sea below, forming the stripes of the American flag.…

26 Jan

Heavy Snowfall Disrupts School Operations Across Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada, Toronto

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The after-effects of a powerful winter storm that swept through southern Ontario on Sunday prompted widespread school closures across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) on Monday, as authorities worked to clear snow and restore safe travel conditions. The Toronto District School Board confirmed that all its schools, administrative offices, learning sites and childcare centres would remain shut for the day to support ongoing snow-clearing efforts and in response to the severe weather alert issued by the city. Soon after, the Toronto Catholic District School Board announced similar closures, adding that examinations scheduled for Monday have…

26 Jan

Toronto Police Urge Residents to Stay Home After 43 cm of Snow Buries City, Wind Chills Set to Plunge to –25°C

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingToronto

Toronto ( Rajeev Sharma): Toronto is grappling with a massive cleanup effort after a powerful winter storm dumped 43 centimetres of snow across the city, forcing plows and emergency crews into a multi-day operation to restore roads and transit service. Major arteries were prioritized on Monday, while many residential streets remained partially blocked under deep snowbanks. Environment Canada said Monday’s forecast will bring a mix of sun and clouds with a 40 per cent chance of flurries. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of –8°C, but wind chills will make it feel closer to –22°C in the morning and…

26 Jan

Massive Winter Storm Cancels Over 10,500 Flights Across U.S., Disrupts Toronto Pearson and Major Hubs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, Trendingwinter storm

Toronto ( Rajeev Sharma): A powerful winter storm sweeping across large parts of North America caused unprecedented disruption to air travel on Sunday, January 25, 2026, forcing the cancellation of more than 10,500 flights within, into, or out of the United States making it one of the worst single-day aviation shutdowns since the COVID-19 pandemic. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and strong winds crippled operations at major U.S. hubs including Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and airports across the New York City region. The storm’s impact extended into Canada, with Toronto Pearson International Airport…

26 Jan

Republic Day Parade begins at Kartavya Path amid patriotic fervour

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingRepublic Day

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The grand Republic Day Parade commenced on Monday morning at Kartavya Path, marking the start of nationwide celebrations for India’s 77th Republic Day. The ceremony opened with stirring patriotic tunes and a spectacular displays, drawing enthusiastic cheers from spectators lining the historic boulevard. https://youtu.be/wfUmNyo6y64 Marching contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force, and vibrant tableaux representing India’s diverse cultural heritage and developmental achievements are set to give goosebumps. The parade also features displays of advanced defence equipment and aerial formations by the Indian Air Force, underscoring the country’s growing strategic capabilities. This year’s celebrations are…

26 Jan

India celebrates 77th Republic Day with majestic parade, PM Modi calls for unity and progress

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingRepublic Day

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India commemorated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with elaborate ceremonies across the nation, reaffirming the values of democracy, unity and constitutional governance that define the country. The main celebrations took place along Kartavya Path in the national capital, drawing thousands of spectators and millions of viewers nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted citizens on the occasion, encouraging people to channel renewed enthusiasm toward the goal of national development. In a message posted on X, he said the historic day should serve as a reminder of shared responsibilities and collective purpose. “Greetings to all on Republic…

25 Jan

Senator pushes for Canadian-run airport fast-track program to replace reliance on Nexus

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada, Nexus

OTTAWA (Rajeev Sharma): With fewer Canadians flying south of the border, a senator from Alberta is urging Ottawa to develop a homegrown airport screening fast-pass program that would allow travellers to bypass long security lines without relying on a U.S.-run system. Sen. Paula Simons introduced a motion in the Senate last fall calling for the creation of a Canadian-controlled trusted traveller initiative. The proposal aims to provide quicker security clearance at domestic airports while removing dependence on the binational Nexus program. “It’s rare for a country to hand over such a critical part of its airport screening process to another…