Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

01 Mar

Flash Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaHeavy Rainfall, Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Flash Floods, Landslides

Kullu, March 1, 2025: Flash floods triggered by relentless torrential rain have caused chaos in the lower areas of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Several vehicles were either washed away or trapped in thick sludge, while landslides disrupted multiple locations across the region. Severe Weather and Road Closures The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the extreme weather to a Western Disturbance, predicting light snowfall in isolated areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and the higher reaches of Kullu district. The situation has led to the closure of 583 roads, including five National Highways, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority…

01 Mar

Uttarakhand Avalanche: 14 More Rescued, 8 Still Trapped as Search Continues

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaChamoli, Uttarakhand Avalanche

Chamoli, Uttarakhand (National Times)– Search and rescue teams in Uttarakhand’s Mana village have successfully pulled 14 more Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers from the avalanche-hit site, but eight remain trapped, officials reported on Saturday. The avalanche struck early Friday morning, burying 55 workers under heavy snow near a BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath. By Friday night, 33 workers were rescued, and an additional 14 were saved on Saturday morning. Confusion Over Number of Trapped Workers Initially, officials believed 57 workers were buried, but Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman later clarified that two were on leave, reducing the…

01 Mar

Donald Trump to Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Strike a Deal or Lose U.S. Support

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDonald Trump, Russia Ukraine War, United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Washington, D.C. (National Times)– President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that U.S. support will end if Ukraine does not negotiate a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. During a high-stakes meeting at the Oval Office, Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy, "You are either going to make a deal, or we're out. If we are out, you will fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty." Trump suggested that without American backing, Ukraine’s position in the war would be severely weakened. He added, "I have empowered you to be a tough…

28 Feb

32 BRO Workers Rescued After Avalanche in Uttarakhand’s Mana, 25 Still Trapped

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAvalanche in Uttarakhand, BRO, Mana Avalanche, Workers Trapped

Chamoli, Uttarakhand, February 28, 2025: Thirty-two of the 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped under an avalanche in Mana village, Uttarakhand, have been rescued. However, as night falls and the weather worsens, concerns for the remaining 25 workers grow.The avalanche struck early on Friday morning, burying a BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath under heavy snow. Rescue teams battled through harsh terrain, freezing temperatures, and continuous snowfall to reach the stranded workers. Initially, 10 workers were pulled out, followed by 22 more. Rescue Efforts and Challenges Four of those rescued are in critical condition and have been taken to…

28 Feb

Premier Danielle Smith has named Martin Long as Alberta’s new Minister of Infrastructure

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaMartin Long

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead, was sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure on Feb. 27. Minister Long has served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism in the former Jobs, Economy and Innovation ministry, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business in Jobs, Economy, and Trade, and most recently as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “I am pleased to welcome Martin to Alberta’s cabinet. He is an extremely hard worker and I have full confidence in his ability to work with me and our cabinet colleagues to deliver on our government’s priorities, focusing on keeping…

28 Feb

Canada Vows Strong Response if US Imposes Tariffs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Donald Trump, United States, US

Ottawa (National Times): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a stern warning regarding the potential imposition of tariffs by the United States, asserting that Canada will respond immediately and forcefully if such measures are enacted. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trudeau emphasized that his government is doing everything possible to prevent the tariffs from taking effect but will not hesitate to retaliate if necessary. "We will continue working to prevent these tariffs, but if on Tuesday the US imposes unjustified tariffs on Canada, we will have an immediate and extremely strong response, as Canadians expect," Trudeau stated, as reported…

28 Feb

Blaming Punjab Farmers for Delhi Pollution is ‘Ridiculous’: Piyush Goyal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabFarmers, Piyush Goyal, Punjab

New Delhi (National Times): Union Minister Piyush Goyal has dismissed claims that Punjab farmers are responsible for Delhi’s air pollution, calling the argument "ridiculous." He urged people to use logic before making such accusations. Speaking at an event hosted by the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Goyal, who holds the Commerce and Industry portfolio, said, “Don’t believe anyone who says Punjab farmers are the reason behind Delhi’s pollution. Just apply your mind… How does pollution travel 500 km, pass through the high rises of Gurugram, and directly reach my home in New Delhi?” Construction & Vehicular Emissions Main Pollutants…

27 Feb

PM Modi to Attend Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025 Sufi Music Festival in Delhi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAmir Khusrau, Jahan-e-Khusrau, PM Modi, Sufi music festival

New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the grand Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025, at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi. This marks the first time the Prime Minister will attend the prestigious event, highlighting his commitment to promoting India’s diverse artistic and cultural heritage, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).The festival, organized by the Rumi Foundation, is a tribute to the legendary Amir Khusrau, a revered Sufi poet and musician. Launched in 2001 by filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali, Jahan-e-Khusrau has grown into a global celebration of Sufi music…

27 Feb

First Cases of H5N1 Bird Flu Found in Domestic Cats in Madhya Pradesh

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabavian influenza, bird flu, domestic cats, H5N1, Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, February 27, 2025 – In a first for India, domestic cats in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district have tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. However, officials confirmed that their owners remain unaffected. The virus was detected in three to four cats whose samples were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal in January. Following the positive results, health authorities quarantined and monitored the owners, but all tested negative for the virus. While this ensures that human transmission has not yet been detected, experts remain cautious about potential risks. Scientists from NIHSAD and the…

27 Feb

DIG Ropar Range and SSP Mohali Inaugurate Modern Beat Box cum PCR/Traffic Booth in Zirakpur

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabDIG Ropar, PCR, SSP Mohali, Traffic Booth

Zirakpur/Mohali, February 27, 2025: The Punjab Police continues to modernize and upgrade its services with the inauguration of another Modern Beat Box cum PCR/Traffic Booth at Chatt lights in Zirakpur. The event was graced by DIG Ropar Range S. H S Bhullar and SSP Mohali Sh. Deepak Pareek, who were present to officially open the new facility.The inauguration ceremony was held on the orders of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has been actively pushing for the modernization of the Punjab Police. In his speech, DIG Bhullar emphasized the importance of this new facility in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of…