Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Apr

Canadian PM Mark Carney Celebrates Baisakhi at Ottawa Gurdwara, Performs Seva with Wife

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBaisakhi, Mark Carney, Ottawa

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a heartfelt gesture of unity and respect, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa on the occasion of Baisakhi, accompanied by his wife, Diana Carney. The couple participated in traditional seva (selfless service) by helping prepare and serve Langar, the community meal, to mark the auspicious day. The visit was part of the celebrations of Baisakhi, which also commemorates Khalsa Sajna Diwas, the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, a significant day in Sikh history. Carney and his wife were seen donning traditional head coverings and humbly engaging in…

13 Apr

India Likely to Ditch ‘Zero-for-Zero’ Tariff Model in Trade Talks with US

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiabilateral trade, India-US trade pact, zero-for-zero tariff

National Times Bureau: India is expected to avoid adopting the “zero-for-zero” tariff strategy in its trade negotiations with the United States, according to senior government officials. This strategy, where both nations eliminate tariffs on select categories of goods, is typically suited for economies with similar development levels—something India and the US don’t share.Instead, India is leaning toward a broader trade package that balances reductions in tariffs with discussions on non-tariff barriers, investment flows, and services. The country is particularly cautious about giving up agricultural protections due to the sector's critical role in rural livelihoods.The trade negotiations aim to significantly boost…

13 Apr

Hanumankind Blends Indian Traditions with Hip-Hop in Historic Coachella Debut

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainmentChenda Melam, Coachella 2025, Hanumankind, Indian hip-hop

National Times Bureau: Indian rapper Hanumankind made history at Coachella 2025, delivering an electrifying performance that seamlessly merged hip-hop with traditional Indian percussion. The Bengaluru-based artist stunned the international audience by taking the stage accompanied by a Chenda Melam ensemble an iconic Kerala temple percussion group.Dressed in a fusion outfit blending streetwear with Indian motifs, Hanumankind opened his set with high-octane bars and heavy beats, but it was the unexpected burst of synchronized Chenda drums that truly lit up the desert night. The rhythm section added a raw, powerful pulse to his music, creating a cultural moment that resonated far…

13 Apr

Actor Vijay Moves Supreme Court, Challenges Constitutional Validity of Waqf Act

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaSupreme Court, Vijay, Waqf Act, Waqf Board

National Times Bureau; Tamil superstar Vijay has approached the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act, stirring a new legal and political debate nationwide. The actor, known for his outspoken views and growing influence beyond cinema, filed a petition arguing that the Waqf Act gives "arbitrary and unchecked powers" to Waqf Boards, allowing them to claim properties without due process.Vijay’s petition states that the current provisions violate citizens’ fundamental rights, especially the right to equality and property. He specifically questions how Waqf Boards are able to list lands as Waqf properties without informing or hearing the actual…

13 Apr

Palm Sunday Horror: Russian Missile Strike Kills 32 in Ukraine’s Sumy City Center

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newscluster munitions, Russia, Sumy missile strike, Volodymyr Zelensky

National Times Bureau, April 13, 2025: A deadly Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy turned Palm Sunday into a scene of horror, killing at least 32 civilians and injuring over 80 others. Among the dead were two children. The strike occurred at 10:15 a.m. local time, just as residents were gathering for the morning celebrations.According to Ukrainian officials, two ballistic missiles carrying cluster munitions slammed into the city center, triggering widespread devastation. Witnesses described burning buildings, shattered windows, and panic in the streets.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault as a deliberate act of terror against civilians.…

13 Apr

Oilers Clinch Playoff Spot as Lifelong Fan PM Mark Carney Celebrates with Pride

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaConnor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, Mark Carney, NHL playoffs

Edmonton, April 12, 2025 — The Edmonton Oilers punched their ticket to the NHL playoffs with a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Friday night, and no one seemed more thrilled than Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.A lifelong fan of the team, Carney celebrated the moment on Saturday by retweeting a playoff-clinching poster from the team’s official X account. In his caption, the PM echoed the enthusiasm of thousands of Oilers fans, signaling his unwavering support.Carney’s connection to the Oilers runs deep. Growing up in Edmonton during the team’s 1980s dynasty, he witnessed their rise firsthand. Over the…

13 Apr

PM Mark Carney Condemns Russia’s Attack on Sumy, Reaffirms Canada’s Support for Ukraine

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Mark Carney, Russia Ukraine War

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a strong statement condemning Russia’s latest assault on civilians in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, calling it a continuation of an “unjustified war of aggression.” His comments come as the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates, with mounting civilian casualties and international pressure for a ceasefire. “Today, Russia chose once again to prolong its unjustified war of aggression on Ukraine by attacking innocent civilians in Sumy,” Carney said in a statement released Saturday. “Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and wounded in this brutal attack.” https://twitter.com/MarkJCarney/status/1911449259196457222 The Prime Minister underscored Ukraine’s…

13 Apr

From Election Date To Debates’ Schedule, Everything You Need to Know About Canada’s 2025 Federal Election

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Elections 2025

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is heading to the polls this spring as voters prepare to elect a new federal government on April 28, 2025. The snap election, called by newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney, comes amid shifting political dynamics and rising tensions with the United States. As political parties ramp up their campaigns, Canadians across the country are getting ready to cast their ballots, tune into debates, and shape the nation's future. When Is the Canada Election 2025? Canada’s 45th federal election will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025. This snap election was called by Prime Minister Mark…

13 Apr

Mark Carney Launches ‘Canada Strong Pass’ to Encourage Local Travel with Free Perks for Families and Youth

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary, Canada Strong Pass, Mark Carney

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): As more Canadians choose to vacation within the country amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has introduced the new Canada Strong Pass—an initiative designed to help families and young people explore Canada’s natural and cultural treasures this summer. Announcing the plan on Saturday, Carney framed it as a response to threats from US President Donald Trump, stating, “With our economy and sovereignty under pressure, Canadians are coming together to celebrate and rediscover our incredible country.” The Canada Strong Pass will offer several perks to encourage local travel. Among the key benefits:…

12 Apr

Hanuman Janmotsav Celebrations by Asha Circle Association in Calgary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAsha Circle Association, Hanuman Janmotsav

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Asha Circle Association is commemorating the sacred birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, the embodiment of strength, courage, and unwavering devotion, on Friday, April 19th at the Hindu Society of Calgary, located at 2225 24 Ave NE, Calgary, AB. The Hanuman Janmotsav celebration will commence at 4:00 PM and continue until 8:00 PM, featuring Sundarkand Path, soul-stirring Bhajans, Aarti, and Prasad distribution. The spiritual gathering aims to unite the community in chanting the holy name of Bajrangbali and seeking divine blessings. All devotees and families are warmly invited to attend this sacred celebration and immerse themselves in the…