Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

15 Dec

Punjab Announces Winter Break for Schools from December 24 to 31

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabPunjab schools holidays, Punjab winter vacation, School Education Department

Chandigarh, December 15, 2025: The Punjab Education Department on Monday announced winter vacations for all government and private schools across the state, scheduling a week-long break from December 24 to December 31, 2025. An official order issued by the Education Department stated that the winter holidays will be applicable to government, government-aided and private educational institutions alike. Schools will remain shut for eight days, with regular academic activities set to resume after December 31.The directive, approved by the competent authority, has been forwarded to all district education officers and school managements to ensure strict implementation across Punjab.The move has been…

15 Dec

Rupee Slides to Record Low Near 91 per Dollar Amid Heavy FPI Outflows and Global Pressures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinesscurrency market, FPI outflows, Indian rupee, rupee depreciation, USD-INR

New Delhi: The Indian Rupee extended its decline on Monday, slipping to a fresh all-time low and edging closer to the 91-per-dollar mark as sustained foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows and rising external headwinds weighed heavily on the currency.During intraday trade, the Rupee touched a low of 90.957 against the US dollar before settling around 90.904 at the time of reporting. The domestic currency has now weakened by over five per cent so far this year, reflecting persistent pressure from capital outflows and global uncertainty.Currency market participants attributed the fall largely to continued selling by foreign investors in both equity…

15 Dec

Shafali Verma Wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month After Stellar World Cup Comeback

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsICC Women’s Player of the Month, Indian women’s cricket, Shafali Verma

New Delhi, December 15, 2025: India opener Shafali Verma has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November, a recognition that crowns her impressive comeback and match-winning performances during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where India lifted the title on home soil.Reacting to the honour, Verma described the award as a collective achievement and credited her teammates, coaches, family and supporters for standing by her through highs and lows. She said individual recognition in a team sport holds meaning only because of the support system around a player, adding that the same spirit applies to both…

15 Dec

Father and Son Identified in Deadly Attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsSydney’

Sydney (Rajeev Sharma): Australian investigators have confirmed that a mass shooting at a Jewish cultural gathering near Sydney’s Bondi Beach was carried out by two related suspects, a father and his son, ruling out the involvement of any additional assailants. New South Wales Police said the violence erupted on Sunday evening during a Hanukkah event held in a park close to the popular beachfront. The gathering, attended by about 1,000 people, turned chaotic when gunfire broke out, forcing crowds to run for safety along the shoreline and into nearby streets. Authorities said the older suspect, aged 50, was shot and…

15 Dec

Calgary to Host Joint Community Screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, Entertainment, TrendingAJEY

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Calgary is set to host a special joint community screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, bringing together community members for an inspiring and reflective cultural experience. The film portrays Yogi Adityanath's remarkable journey, highlighting his transformation from a life of spiritual discipline and service to public leadership, guided by enduring values of seva, dharma, faith, and purpose. The screening, organised by Sewa Physo, with National Times as the official media partner, underscores the collaborative effort behind this meaningful event. The morning aims to provide an opportunity to reflect,…

15 Dec

Premier Danielle Smith Marks Hanukkah With Message of Hope and Resilience

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCanada, Danielle Smith

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement celebrating Hanukkah and extending warm wishes to Alberta’s Jewish community as the eight-day Festival of Lights begins. In her message, the premier highlighted the symbolism of Hanukkah arriving during the darkest days of the year, noting that it serves as a reminder that “even the smallest spark of hope can illuminate the deepest night.” Smith reflected on the miracle of the oil, which was meant to last one day but burned for eight, saying it continues to inspire perseverance, faith and the sharing of light with others. She also acknowledged…

14 Dec

Punjab Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti Polling Ends Peacefully, Results on December 17

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabPanchayat Samiti elections, Punjab elections, Punjab local body elections, Zila Parishad polls

Chandigarh, December 14, 2025: Voting for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Punjab concluded peacefully on Sunday, with polling completed across all designated booths in the state.Election officials said voter participation remained steady throughout the day, with a turnout of 48 per cent recorded till 4 pm. No major untoward incidents were reported during the polling process, and security arrangements ensured smooth conduct of the elections.With polling now over, the democratic exercise has moved into the counting stage. The sealed ballot boxes have been secured, and preparations are underway for the tabulation of votes.Authorities confirmed that the results…

14 Dec

India Clinch Thrilling Seven-Wicket Win Over South Africa in Third T20I

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsIND vs SA T20I, India vs South Africa, India win third T20I, Shivam Dube

Dharamshala, December 14, 2025: India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20 International, successfully chasing a target of 118 with three wickets down in 15.5 overs. Shivam Dube sealed the victory in dramatic fashion by hitting a four and a six off successive deliveries, though he was dismissed for 10 runs soon after finishing the match.Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 117 after opting to bat first at the Dharamshala Stadium on Sunday evening. The visitors lost three wickets for just seven runs, putting them under early pressure. Quinton de Kock managed only one run, while…

14 Dec

Messi to Meet PM Modi, CJI and Army Chief as GOAT India Tour Concludes in Delhi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaChief Justice of India, GOAT India Tour, Lionel Messi, Narendra Modi

New Delhi, December 14, 2025: Argentine football legend Lionel Messi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday during the Delhi leg of his GOAT India Tour, marking a high-profile conclusion to his visit to India.Messi is scheduled to arrive in the national capital at 10.45 am and will begin his engagements with a short meet-and-greet session at a city hotel. He will then head to the Prime Minister’s official residence, where he is expected to spend around 20 minutes in interaction with Modi.Following the meeting with…

14 Dec

Nitin Nabin Appointed BJP National Executive President

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBharatiya Janata Party, BJP National Executive President, Nitin Nabin

New Delhi, December 14, 2025— Senior BJP leader and Bihar minister Nitin Nabin has been appointed as the party’s National Executive President, marking a significant organisational development within the Bharatiya Janata Party.Party leaders said Nabin’s elevation reflects his strong administrative experience and organisational acumen. His tenure as a minister in the Bihar government has been widely appreciated for effective governance, while his role as the BJP’s in-charge for Chhattisgarh showcased his ability to strengthen the party’s structure and coordination at the state level.The leadership highlighted that his performance in both governmental and organisational responsibilities demonstrated decisive leadership and a deep…