Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Nov

Nitish Kumar’s Supporters Celebrate as NDA Makes Strong Showing in Bihar

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingBihar, Nitish Kumar

Patna (Rajeev Sharma): Streets outside the JD(U) headquarters erupted in celebrations on Friday as early election trends showed the NDA surging ahead in Bihar, leading in 186 of the state’s 243 assembly seats. Supporters greeted the news with firecrackers, drumbeats, and clouds of green ‘gulaal’, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. What began as a small gathering of anxious party workers quickly transformed into a large, jubilant crowd as the Election Commission updates indicated a commanding NDA lead. Party workers hoisted a giant poster of Nitish Kumar, waved flags, and chanted slogans expressing confidence in the veteran leader’s return to power. Longtime…

14 Nov

Nitish Kumar Looks to Extend His Record-Breaking Tenure as Bihar CM

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingBihar, Nitish Kumar

Patna (Rajeev Sharma): As the dust settles on the counting of votes in Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister. With over two decades at the helm, the Janata Dal (United) leader is seeking another term, as his party leads in the early trends. Kumar, who first took office in 2000, has guided Bihar through various challenges, coalition governments, and shifting political dynamics. Known for his ability to maneuver through complex political waters, Kumar’s political longevity has made him one of the most prominent figures in Bihar’s modern political history. A Legacy…

14 Nov

Anita Anand Reaffirms Canada’s Unwavering Commitment to Supporting Ukraine Amid Corruption Allegations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAnita Anand, Canada, Ukraine

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has reaffirmed Canada's steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine, notwithstanding recent allegations of corruption within the Ukrainian government. Speaking at a press conference, Minister Anand addressed concerns surrounding the potential misuse of military aid, a crucial component of Canada's assistance to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The remarks come after reports surfaced regarding corruption involving Ukrainian officials, particularly in the procurement of military supplies and the management of foreign aid. These allegations have raised questions in some international circles about the effectiveness and transparency of the billions…

14 Nov

Bihar Election Result 2025: Early Bihar Trends Show NDA Crossing Majority Mark

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingBihar

Patna (Rajeev Sharma): Initial trends from the ongoing counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections show the National Democratic Alliance opening up a commanding lead across the state. According to early updates from the Election Commission, the NDA is ahead in 140 seats, placing it clearly above the majority mark in the 243-member House. Within the ruling bloc, the JD(U) leads the pack with 62 seats, while the BJP is not far behind with 59. The LJP(RV) has secured leads in 15 constituencies, and HAMS in four, rounding out the alliance’s strong early performance. The Mahagathbandhan, meanwhile, is trailing…

14 Nov

Early Counting Shows NDA Gaining Momentum in Bihar Polls

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingBihar

Patna (Rajeev Sharma): Initial figures from Friday’s vote count in Bihar indicate that the National Democratic Alliance is edging ahead of its rival, the Mahagathbandhan, as the state awaits the final outcome of its high-stakes Assembly elections. Counting teams began their work across all 243 constituencies under heavy security deployment. Officials reported that the examination of postal ballots was taken up first, before the sealed EVMs were opened around 8:30 a.m. The process is being conducted at 46 centres distributed across 38 districts. This election, held in two phases, is widely regarded as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s…

14 Nov

Delhi Red Fort car blast: House of Dr Umar, who drove explosive-laden car, demolished in Pulwama

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDoctor, New Delhi, Red Fort blast, Updates

National Times Bureau :- Security forces have demolished the residence of Dr Umar Nabi, the man who drove the explosive-laden car involved in the recent blast in Delhi, officials confirmed on Friday. The structure in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district was razed during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The car explosion near Red Fort on Monday night claimed 13 lives and left several others injured. Investigators later identified the driver as Dr Umar Nabi after DNA samples recovered from the blast site matched those of his mother. Dr Umar, considered academically bright by his acquaintances, is believed to…

14 Nov

CSIS Director Addresses Escalating National Security Threats from Global Powers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) provided an update on Canada's ongoing efforts to address emerging national security challenges. In a recent briefing, Director Dan Rogers discussed the evolving landscape of threats, particularly from global powers such as Russia, China, Iran, and India. Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Director Dan Rogers stated that violent extremism, motivated by religion, ideology, or political views, “persists as one of Canada’s most significant national security concerns.” He cited an August case where a minor was arrested in Montreal for allegedly planning an attack on behalf of Daesh, also…

13 Nov

Canada and India Strengthen Bilateral Ties at G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, India

Niagara (Rajeev Sharma): The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, to Canada today for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This marks their third meeting of 2025, underscoring the growing momentum in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.Minister Anand expressed her heartfelt condolences to Minister Jaishankar following the tragic explosion in New Delhi, India, that claimed several lives. She reaffirmed Canada’s solidarity with the people of India during this difficult time. The two ministers engaged in constructive discussions on the ongoing law-enforcement dialogue between Canadian and Indian authorities. They also highlighted the…

13 Nov

New Toll Policy from November 15: Double Toll Without FASTag, Digital Payments to Get 25% Rebate

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiadigital payments, FASTag, highways, India transport, MoRTH, toll rules

New Delhi, November 13, 2025 — Beginning November 15, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will implement revised toll collection rules aimed at promoting digital payments and easing traffic flow across India’s highways.Under the new guidelines, any vehicle not equipped with a valid FASTag will be charged twice the normal toll rate if the payment is made in cash. In contrast, those who opt for UPI or other digital payment modes at toll plazas will pay only 1.25 times the standard amount. Vehicles using FASTag will continue to be charged the regular fee.For instance, if a vehicle’s standard…

13 Nov

India and Canada Reinforce Economic Partnership in 7th Ministerial Dialogue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaIndia-Canada trade, Maninder Sidhu, Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment, Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, November 13, 2025 — Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada’s Minister for Export Promotion and International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, co-chaired the 7th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI) in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting marked a phase of renewed engagement aimed at invigorating bilateral trade and investment ties and charting a forward-looking cooperation agenda. In their joint statement titled “Renewing Momentum towards a Stronger Partnership”, both countries reaffirmed the foundational role of trade in promoting mutual economic growth and resilience. They highlighted the strong, value-based foundation of India-Canada relations, rooted in shared democratic traditions,…