Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

20 Apr

Enhanced Vigil Across Kashmir Ahead of Pahalgam Attack Anniversary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingPahalgam

Srinagar (Rajeev Sharma): Security forces have intensified surveillance and deployment across Jammu and Kashmir as the region approaches the first anniversary of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that shook the Valley last year. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, at the picturesque Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including tourists and a local resident. The incident had severely impacted tourism, forcing authorities to shut down multiple tourist spots temporarily before gradually reopening them after security reviews. In anticipation of the anniversary, intelligence inputs regarding suspicious movements near border districts such as Kathua and…

20 Apr

Iran Refutes Fresh Talks Claim, Blames US for Undermining Ceasefire Efforts

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran

Tehran/Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has pushed back against reports suggesting it would join another round of negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, asserting that no such plan has been finalised and accusing Washington of spreading misleading information. Tehran, citing its official media channels, said the claims of upcoming talks were unfounded and part of a deliberate attempt to mount diplomatic pressure. Iranian officials criticised what they described as shifting positions by the US, along with demands they consider impractical. They also highlighted the ongoing naval blockade, calling it a clear breach of earlier ceasefire understandings. The Iranian side maintained…

20 Apr

Iran Condemns US Ship Seizure, Signals Possible Countermeasures Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh flashpoint has emerged in West Asia after Iran strongly criticised the United States for intercepting and taking control of an Iranian-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the move could trigger a direct response. Iranian authorities described the incident as a breach of established understandings and accused US forces of carrying out an unlawful boarding operation in the Gulf of Oman. Military officials in Tehran termed the action “provocative” and indicated that appropriate steps would be taken in response. On the other hand, US officials defended the operation, stating that the vessel had…

19 Apr

U.S. and Iran negotiators return to Pakistan as ceasefire deadline looms

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDonald Trump Iran threat, Iran ceasefire April 22, JD Vance Islamabad, Strait of Hormuz 2026, U.S.-Iran Pakistan Talks

Washington DC (Rajeev Sharma): U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that American negotiators are heading to Islamabad for a critical second round of face-to-face talks with Iran. The high-stakes meeting comes just 72 hours before a fragile, two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday, April 22. While the first round of negotiations earlier this month ended without a deal, the return of top officials to the table has raised cautious hopes for an extension of the truce that paused eight weeks of devastating regional conflict. The White House confirmed that Vice President JD Vance will…

19 Apr

Prime Minister Mark Carney: Canada’s U.S. Ties Now a “Weakness”

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada US trade, CUSMA review, Economic Sovereignty, Forward Guidance, Mark Carney 2026, US tariffs

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a stark assessment of the country's economic landscape, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that Canada’s historically deep integration with the United States has transitioned from a strategic asset to a significant national "weakness." Delivering a direct address titled "Forward Guidance," Carney warned that the era of predictable, rule-based North American trade has collapsed, replaced by a climate of aggressive protectionism that leaves Canada’s undiversified economy uniquely exposed. The Prime Minister argued that Canada has spent decades tethering its prosperity to a single market that is now increasingly hostile to international cooperation.…

19 Apr

Vrindavan Streets Go Vehicle-Free: Relief for Devotees or Rising Trouble?

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingVrindavan

Vrindavan (Rajeev Sharma): In a major move aimed at managing traffic and preserving the spiritual environment, authorities have implemented strict new regulations in the narrow streets of Vrindavan. The decision to restrict e-rickshaw movement has triggered a wide range of reactions from police officials, local residents, and visiting pilgrims. As part of the plan, chains will be installed across 32 streets to block the entry of e-rickshaws. Additionally, six designated routes have been finalized where registered e-rickshaws can operate. Each driver has been assigned a specific route number, and strict action will be taken against those violating the rules. Police…

19 Apr

Kedarnath Yatra Begins as Panchmukhi Palanquin Sets Out from Omkareshwar Temple

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, India, TrendingChar Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Yatra

Rajeev Sharma :- The annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham commenced on Sunday with the ceremonial departure of the Panchmukhi palanquin of Lord Kedarnath from the Omkareshwar Temple, marking the formal start of the revered Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The occasion witnessed elaborate religious rituals, Vedic chants and a large turnout of devotees, priests and officials. Among those present was Kedarnath Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, who participated in the traditional ceremonies held before the departure of the palanquin. The palanquin will travel over several days, halting at designated points en route to the shrine. As per the schedule, it will reach…

19 Apr

BJP Condemns Italy Gurdwara Shooting, Calls Attack ‘Unforgivable’

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, India, TrendingBig Statement, BJP, Gurudwara, Italy, Shooting, Sikh

Rajeev Sharma :- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the recent shooting outside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji in Italy, where two persons of Indian origin lost their lives. The incident has sparked grief and concern among the Indian community residing in the country. BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh described the attack as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, particularly as it occurred at the entrance of a place of worship. He said that indiscriminate firing leading to loss of lives at a धार्मिक स्थल cannot be justified under any circumstances. Taking to social media platform X, Singh stated that…

19 Apr

Two Sikhs Shot Dead Outside Gurdwara in Italy’s Bergamo Province

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, Trending, World NewsFiring, Gurudwara, Italy, Sikh, Two Dead

Rajeev Sharma :- In a disturbing incident, two Sikh men were killed after unidentified assailants opened fire outside a gurdwara in northern Italy, triggering concern within the local community. The attack occurred late on Friday near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, where the attackers reportedly arrived in a vehicle and fired multiple rounds before escaping from the scene. Eyewitness accounts suggest that around ten shots were discharged during the assault. The victims, Rajinder Singh and Gurmeet Singh, were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. However, despite medical intervention, both succumbed to their injuries. Rajinder Singh, a resident of…

19 Apr

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to Reopen After Fire, Restoration Efforts Progress

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to Reopen After Fire

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Nearly a year after a devastating fire damaged key infrastructure, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is set to reopen to visitors, marking a significant step in restoring an important cultural landmark in Alberta. The site will welcome the public again from May 16, coinciding with the summer season and the May long weekend. The reopening comes as restoration work continues following the destruction of the village’s visitor centre in April last year. Officials described the reopening as a symbolic and practical milestone, allowing visitors to reconnect with Ukrainian traditions, history and community life. Cultural programming, guided experiences…