Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Feb

10 Devotees on the way to Mahakumbh Dead in Tragic Head-On Collision

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBolero-Bus Collision, Maha Kumbh Devotees, Prayagraj Accident

Prayagraj, February 17, 2025 – Ten people on the way to Mahakumbh lost their lives in a head-on collision between a Bolero car and a bus on a highway in the Meja police station area late on Friday night, police confirmed on Saturday. Devotees Were Traveling to Maha Kumbh According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Chandra Yadav, the victims were devotees from Korba, Chhattisgarh, heading to the Maha Kumbh to take a holy dip. Their Bolero car collided with a bus, resulting in fatalities for all 10 passengers in the Bolero. Meanwhile, passengers in the bus sustained minor injuries.…

15 Feb

Army Chief Lauds India-US Defence Deal, Highlights 10-Year Plan for Defence Growth

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaF-35 Fighter Jets, India-US Defence Deal, Modi-Trump Meeting

Noida, February 15, 2025– Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi praised the India-US defence agreements signed following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. He highlighted that the upcoming 10-year defence framework (2025-2035) will significantly boost India’s defence production and self-reliance. Strengthening Defence Ties Speaking at the annual reclaiming ceremony in Noida, General Dwivedi emphasized the Indian Army’s role in nation-building, beyond just ensuring security."We have received very good news that a 10-year plan will be laid out. Joint production will greatly benefit defence manufacturing, the Indian Army, and promote self-reliance," he said.India and the US have agreed to…

15 Feb

Cold Wave Continues in Srinagar, Lal Draman Winter Festival Draws Thousands

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCold Wave, Srinagar

Srinagar, February 15, 2025 – A cold wave has gripped Srinagar, with the city recording a minimum temperature of 0°C on Saturday. The maximum temperature reached 13°C, marking a slight drop from the previous day. Other towns across the Kashmir Valley reported similar chilly conditions. Dal Lake Comes Alive Despite Freezing Weather Despite the freezing temperatures, locals and tourists were seen enjoying the winter season at Dal Lake. Videos from the area showed residents embracing the cold, adding to the valley’s winter charm. Lal Draman Winter Festival Draws Huge Crowds The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and District Administration organized…

15 Feb

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Assures Support for Deportees Ahead of US Flight’s Arrival

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann, US Deportation Flight

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said that his recent press conference prompted key changes in how the Centre is handling the return of Indian immigrants deported from the United States. The deportation flight is set to land at Amritsar airport at 10 PM today (Saturday), and Mann has assured that necessary arrangements are in place for those arriving. Revised Arrangements for Deportees Mann stated that unlike last time—when deportees were dropped off at a distant location—this time the flight will arrive directly at the passenger terminal. He outlined the following measures: Punjabis among the deportees will be allowed to…

15 Feb

Prime Suspect in Canada’s Biggest Gold Heist Found Residing in Chandigarh: Report

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Canada Gold Heist

Chandigarh (National Times): A 32-year-old former Air Canada manager, Simran Preet Panesar, who is wanted by Canadian authorities in connection with Canada’s largest gold heist, has been tracked down to Chandigarh, according to a report by The Indian Express. The Rs 173 Crore Gold Heist The high-profile theft took place in April 2023 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, where 6,600 gold bars weighing 400 kg, along with Rs 21 crore ($2.5 million) in foreign currency, were stolen from the airport’s cargo compound. The total value of the stolen goods is estimated at Rs 173 crore ($20 million), making it the…

15 Feb

US Army Bans Transgender Recruits Following Trump’s Executive Order

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsUS Army

Washington DC (National Times): The United States Army has officially prohibited transgender individuals from enlisting and has halted all gender-affirming medical procedures for service members. The announcement follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on January 27, which reinstates a ban on transgender recruits in the military. Policy Update and Implementation The Army stated in an official release that it “will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military and will stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.” The executive order directs the Pentagon to finalize a policy on transgender service…

15 Feb

US Reduces H-1B Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility from 48 to 12 Months for Indians

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsH1b visa, US

Washington DC (National Times): The United States has revised its eligibility criteria for the Visa Interview Waiver, commonly known as the Dropbox program, for Indian applicants. The eligibility window has been reduced from 48 months to just 12 months, meaning only those whose visas expired within the past year will now qualify for Dropbox processing. What is the Dropbox Program? The Dropbox program allows eligible visa applicants to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This streamlined process has been particularly beneficial for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders, reducing processing…

15 Feb

CVC Orders Probe into Former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Bungalow Renovation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPoliticsArvind Kejriwal

New Delhi (National Times): The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered an investigation into the renovation of 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, the official residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The probe comes amid allegations that construction norms were violated to build a lavish mansion spanning 40,000 square yards (8 acres). Following the CVC's directive, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has submitted a factual report regarding the modifications made to Kejriwal’s official residence. However, the CVC has now asked the CPWD to conduct a more detailed inquiry into the matter to determine whether procedural violations occurred. The renovation of…

14 Feb

Donald Trump Imposes ‘Reciprocal Tariffs’ on India, Strengthens Trade and Defense Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDonald Trump, Export Tarrifs, India, Narendra Modi, USA

Washington, DC, February 14, 2025 – US President Donald Trump has announced that India will face reciprocal tariffs, meaning the US will match any duties and taxes that New Delhi imposes on American goods. Trump Pushes for Fair Trade During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump made it clear that he wants a level playing field.“We’re just going to do it the easy way,” Trump said. “Whatever you charge, we charge.”Trump criticized India’s high tariff rates, especially on US-made cars. He described India as one of the highest tariff nations in the world and called for…

14 Feb

‘Why Punjab?’ CM Bhagwant Mann Questions Centre Over Deportation Flights Landing in Amritsar

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann, Punjab, US Deportation Flight

Amritsar (National Times): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday raised strong objections to the landing of US military aircraft carrying deported illegal Indian immigrants at Amritsar airport, alleging a deliberate attempt by the Centre to malign Punjab’s image. Addressing a press conference, Mann questioned why Amritsar was repeatedly chosen as the landing site for deportation flights, despite illegal immigrants belonging to multiple states. “The first flight carrying 104 deported Indians landed in Amritsar, but only 30 were from Punjab. The rest included 33 from Gujarat, 33 from Haryana, and others from Maharashtra and different states. Now, another deportation flight…