Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

02 Apr

Nations Unite to Address Hormuz Crisis as Oil Route Remains Blocked

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsHormuz, Strait of Hormuz

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A group of nearly 35 countries is coming together for high-level discussions to tackle the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has been severely impacted amid escalating tensions involving Iran. The initiative, led by the United Kingdom, aims to build diplomatic pressure to restore navigation through the key maritime corridor, which is essential for global energy supplies. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting would explore practical steps to ensure safe passage for vessels and resume the transport of critical goods. The talks, to be chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, come as…

02 Apr

Donald Trump Signals Tougher Military Action Against Iran, Sets Short Window for Deal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may significantly intensify its military campaign against Iran if a diplomatic breakthrough is not achieved within the next few weeks. Speaking during a national address, Trump said the ongoing operation—referred to as “Epic Fury”—is progressing rapidly and could enter a more aggressive phase if Tehran does not agree to terms. He suggested that strategic targets, including critical infrastructure, could face coordinated strikes. The warning comes amid escalating tensions across West Asia, where the conflict has already disrupted trade routes and energy flows. Despite concerns surrounding the blockade…

01 Apr

TSX inched higher on Wednesday as Iran de-escalation hopes offset March losses

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, Canada

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s main stock index, the S&P/TSX Composite, opened higher on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as investors reacted to signals from Washington suggesting a potential end to the conflict in Iran. The move followed a bruising month for global markets; while the TSX ended the first quarter up 3.3%, it slumped by 4.6% in March as the Middle East war intensified and disrupted global energy routes. The early gains were largely driven by a stabilizing risk sentiment. U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that U.S. forces could potentially withdraw from the region within two to three weeks, hinting…

01 Apr

Canadian Finance Minister travels to Beijing for high-stakes economic dialogue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanadian Finance Minister, China visit, global economy, trade diplomacy

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant diplomatic move aimed at stabilizing trade relations, Canada’s Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is set to conduct an official visit to China from April 1 to April 4, 2026. The announcement, made by China’s Ministry of Finance, marks a pivotal moment for bilateral engagement between the two nations following a period of prolonged geopolitical strain. The four-day mission is expected to focus on critical economic issues, including market access, supply chain resilience, and potential collaboration on global financial stability. The visit comes at a time when global markets are navigating extreme volatility due to the…

01 Apr

IT Giant Oracle lays off 30,000 employees globally; more job cuts likely

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsOracle

Rajeev Sharma :- Oracle Corporation has laid off thousands of employees worldwide, with some reports suggesting the number could be as high as 30,000, even though the company is earning strong revenue. The company has not officially confirmed the exact number of job cuts. However, the layoffs are believed to be part of a bigger strategy change, especially as Oracle focuses more on artificial intelligence and data centres. The job cuts have affected several countries, including India and Mexico. India seems to be one of the most affected, with reports saying around 12,000 employees may have lost their jobs out…

01 Apr

Tensions Escalate Along Jammu Border After Pakistan Fires at Indian Surveillance Drone

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDrone, Firing, India, Pakistan

Rajeev Sharma :- Tensions flared along the international border in Jammu after Pakistani forces opened fire at an Indian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) during a routine surveillance mission. The incident occurred in the Kanachak sector, where Pakistani posts reportedly fired multiple rounds at the drone operating within Indian territory. According to sources, a total of five shots were fired from across the border, targeting the unmanned aerial system. Despite the provocation, the Indian drone remained unharmed and safely returned to its base. No casualties or material damage have been reported in the incident. The firing comes amid repeated ceasefire violations…

01 Apr

Commissioner, MC Chandigarh Reviews Facilities at SPCA

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingSPCA

Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, along with Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner MC-cum-Secretary, Animal Husbandry, UT Chandigarh, on Tuesday visited the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Sector-38, Chandigarh. The visit was attended by officers of the Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation, and members of the SPCA. The visit was aimed at reviewing the improvements carried out at the SPCA and assessing the upkeep, treatment, and overall living conditions of the dogs housed at the facility. During the inspection, the Commissioner emphasized that the highest standards of care and welfare must be…

01 Apr

Alberta Tables Bill to Keep Classrooms ‘Neutral’, Focus on Core Learning and Safety

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The government of Alberta has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing neutrality in classrooms, enhancing school safety and tightening accountability across the education system. The proposed “Bill 25: An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026” seeks to ensure that schools remain focused on academic fundamentals such as reading, mathematics and science, while maintaining a respectful learning environment for students. Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the initiative is designed to meet parental expectations for safe and balanced classrooms. He emphasized that schools should encourage diverse viewpoints without promoting…

31 Mar

Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils $3.8 billion “A Force of Nature” strategy to hit 2030 conservation targets

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadabiodiversity strategy, Indigenous guardians, Mark Carney, Nature conservation

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched a sweeping new environmental initiative titled A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, backed by a $3.8 billion federal investment. The strategy aims to fulfill Canada's international commitment to protect 30% of its land and waters by 2030, a goal established during the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference. Addressing the growing threats of climate change, habitat loss, and destructive wildfires, the Prime Minister framed the preservation of Canada’s natural heritage as both a moral obligation and a central pillar of the country's long-term economic stability. The ambitious plan outlines…

31 Mar

Air Canada employee facing charges following alleged cannabis smuggling operation at Pearson

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAir Canada, airport security, cannabis smuggling, Pearson Airport

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): An Air Canada employee has been arrested and charged after authorities uncovered a sophisticated scheme to smuggle cannabis through Toronto Pearson International Airport. The investigation, led by the Peel Regional Police in collaboration with federal border agents, focused on the illegal movement of large quantities of the controlled substance within the airport's secure zones. Investigators allege that the staff member utilized their internal access and knowledge of airline logistics to bypass standard security protocols, facilitating the transport of illicit goods. The bust occurred after a series of intercepted shipments raised red flags with the Canada Border Services…