Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

26 Dec

Vrindavan Prepares for Large Devotee Influx on New Year 2026; High-Powered Committee Finalises Comprehensive Arrangements

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingVrindavan

Vrindavan (Rajeev Sharma): Vrindavan is preparing for a substantial influx of devotees during New Year 2026, with estimates indicating that more than five lakh (500,000+) pilgrims are expected to visit the holy town during the period. The surge is attributed to Vrindavan’s deep spiritual significance, with the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple remaining the principal centre of devotion for visitors during the New Year. In view of the anticipated turnout, authorities are gearing up for heavy congestion, extended waiting hours, and enhanced safety and security arrangements, particularly in and around the Banke Bihari Temple. Traffic regulation and controlled pedestrian…

26 Dec

Indian Research Scholar Killed in Toronto Shooting, Authorities Launch Probe

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingToronto

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus has claimed the life of an Indian doctoral student, prompting expressions of grief from Indian authorities and concern within the international student community. The victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, was pursuing advanced research studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, the incident occurred in the vicinity of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Emergency responders reached the location after reports of gunfire and found the student suffering from a fatal gunshot injury. He was declared dead at the scene. Police said those responsible had escaped before…

25 Dec

Saskatchewan Court Dismisses Lawsuit Related to Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaHumboldt Broncos Bus Crash, Lawsuit, Saskatchewan Court

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ( Rajeev Sharma): A lawsuit filed against the driver of the semi-truck involved in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, the province of Saskatchewan, and the bus company has been dismissed by the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench.Justice J. Mitchell ruled that provincial legislation preventing the Herolds and four other families from suing does not violate their Charter rights. The legislation effectively shields certain parties from civil lawsuits related to the crash.The legal action was joined by the families of Jaxon Joseph, Logan Hunter, Jacob Leicht, and Mark Cross, alongside the Herolds. The suit was originally filed shortly…

25 Dec

Navi Mumbai International Airport Opens to Commercial Flights, Ushering in New Era for Mumbai Aviation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndiGo first flight, Mumbai aviation, Navi Mumbai International Airport, NMIA inauguration

Navi Mumbai, December 25, 2025: Nearly 30 years after it was first envisioned to ease pressure on Mumbai’s overburdened aviation network, the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) became operational on Thursday with the landing of an IndiGo Airbus A320 from Bengaluru at 8 am. The aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute, marking the formal start of commercial operations at the new airport.The launch represents a major expansion of Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure and a significant milestone in India’s broader push to build future-ready transport facilities. With NMIA now functional, Mumbai joins global cities such as London, New York, Tokyo…

25 Dec

Farmer Couple, Two Sons Found Dead in Nanded; Police Suspect Family Suicide Pact

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsHealthFarmer Couple, Two Sons Found Dead in Nanded; Police Suspect Family Suicide Pact

Nanded (Maharashtra), December 25, 2025: A farming family of four was found dead at separate locations in Maharashtra’s Nanded district on Thursday morning, with police suspecting a case of mass suicide, officials said.The bodies of farmer Ramesh Sonaji Lakhe (51) and his wife Radhabai Lakhe (45) were discovered around 8 am inside their house at Jawala Murar village in Mudkhed tehsil. The couple was found lying motionless on a cot, prompting locals to alert the police. A short while later, the bodies of their two sons — Umesh (25) and Bajrang (23) — were found on nearby railway tracks. Preliminary…

25 Dec

Top Maoist Leader With ₹1.1 Crore Bounty Killed in Kandhamal Encounter, Odisha Police Call It Major Breakthrough

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaanti-Naxal operation, CPI Maoist, Ganesh Uike, Kandhamal encounter, Odisha Maoist encounter

Bhubaneswar, December 25, 2025: A senior leader of the banned CPI (Maoist), Ganesh Uike, who was carrying a cash reward of ₹1.1 crore, was among four Maoists killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Odisha’s Kandhamal district on Thursday, police officials said. The gunfight broke out in a dense forest under the Chakapad police station area after security forces launched a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials confirmed that Uike, a central committee member who was overseeing Maoist activities in Odisha, was neutralised along with three other cadres, including two women. The identities of the remaining…

25 Dec

PM Modi Inaugurates Rashtriya Prerna Sthal on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st Birth Anniversary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAtal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Lucknow, December 25, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, a major national memorial and inspirational complex dedicated to the life and ideals of former prime minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The inauguration coincided with Vajpayee’s 101st birth anniversary. The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several senior leaders during the ceremony. The expansive complex features imposing 65-foot bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee and ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, highlighting their role in shaping…

25 Dec

Tarique Rahman Returns to Bangladesh After 17 Years, Draws Massive BNP Show of Strength in Dhaka

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsBangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh politics, BNP, Dhaka, Tarique Rahman

Dhaka, December 25: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman received a massive public reception on Thursday as he returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, marking a significant political moment ahead of the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections. Thousands of BNP leaders, workers and supporters lined major routes in the capital, including the 300 Feet Road and areas around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, to welcome the party leader amid heavy security deployment. The scale of the gathering reflected strong enthusiasm within the party ranks and among supporters across the city.Rahman travelled in a bus decorated in BNP colours,…

25 Dec

Hospital Death Sparks Debate as Alberta Looks at Private Health Care

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaEdmonton, Hospital Death, Private Healthcare

Edmonton ( Rajeev Sharma): The death of a 44-year-old man after a long wait in the emergency room at Grey Nuns Community Hospital has raised public concern about Alberta’s health-care system. The man went to the hospital with severe chest pain and later died of an apparent cardiac arrest. His death is being reviewed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the hospital has said it is cooperating with the investigation.Many people say the incident shows how much pressure emergency rooms are under. Hospitals across Alberta face problems such as staff shortages, overcrowding, and limited space. Emergency departments…

25 Dec

Dawson Creek Extends Local State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Water Shortages

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingDawson Creek

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): The City of Dawson Creek has renewed its local state of emergency as it grapples with continued drought conditions affecting its water supply. Despite heavy snowfall in December, officials say the city’s water situation remains critical. “A strong snowpack helps carry us through to March or April, when spring runoff replenishes rivers and reservoirs,” the city noted in a Tuesday update. “However, the Kiskatinaw River is already beginning to freeze, and water levels remain below normal.” The state of emergency, initially declared in October, has been extended multiple times. City officials say the renewal allows them…