Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Jul

Himachal Weather Update: Monsoon Takes a Break, Heavy Rain Spell Likely After July 18

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a temporary pause in monsoon activity, with clear skies dominating several parts of the state and temperatures gradually climbing. Weather officials have predicted that the dry spell will continue for a few more days before rainfall intensity increases from July 18 under the influence of a new weather system. The state capital Shimla and several other regions experienced sunny conditions on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive day of relatively clear weather. The reduction in rain has led to warmer conditions, especially in the plains, where humidity levels have also increased. The Meteorological Department…

14 Jul

Iran Says It Shot Down US Surveillance Drone Over Hormuz Amid Intensifying Military Standoff

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has claimed that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) brought down a US MQ-1 surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington as both sides exchange military threats and operations in the Gulf region. The announcement was made through Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which reported that the unmanned American aircraft had been intercepted over the strategic waterway. The claim was later repeated by several Iranian state-run media outlets. However, Iranian officials did not disclose details about the location of the incident or the circumstances surrounding…

14 Jul

Iran Pushes Back Against Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Security Plan, Calls 20% Fee ‘Excessive’

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsStrait of Hormuz

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20 per cent charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran—not Washington—has long been responsible for safeguarding the strategically important waterway. The latest war of words unfolded after Trump announced that the United States would assume the role of protecting commercial shipping in the Strait while introducing a levy on vessels to offset the cost of maritime security operations. Responding on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the US President's claim that America would become the "guardian" of the…

14 Jul

Iranian Missile Strike on UAE Oil Tankers Leaves Indian Sailor Dead, Eight Injured

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsStrait of Hormuz

Dubai (Rajeev Sharma): An Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two UAE-flagged oil tankers were reportedly struck by Iranian cruise missiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence. The ministry said the vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were sailing along the southern shipping corridor in Omani territorial waters when the missiles hit. The attack triggered fires on both tankers, causing substantial damage before emergency response teams managed to contain the flames. Officials confirmed that the deceased was an Indian national working aboard the Mombasa. Among the…

13 Jul

Middle East Tensions Escalate as Iran Claims Closure of Strait of Hormuz Following US Airstrikes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsglobal energy trade, Iran crisis, IRGC, Maritime security, Strait of Hormuz, United States military

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma)— Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the indefinite closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the vital maritime choke point will remain shut until the United States halts its military interventions in the West Asia region. The declaration follows severe military escalations over the weekend, including a series of intensive U.S. airstrikes hitting roughly 140 Iranian military sites. While Tehran asserts that no shipping traffic will be permitted through the waterway, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has challenged the blockade, maintaining that naval assets continue to safeguard commercial transit lanes. The administrative decision to…

13 Jul

Yamuna Tragedy: Multi-Agency Search Continues After Four Schoolboys Swept Away in Delhi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingDelhi, India

Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Rescue teams continued their search for four minor boys who went missing after being swept away by the Yamuna River’s strong current near Hiranki village in Delhi’s Alipur area. The incident occurred when the children entered the river for a bath and were caught in the fast-flowing water. According to officials, the boys were part of a group of five friends visiting the river. One child managed to remain safe and immediately alerted nearby people after seeing his friends being carried away by the current. Emergency services were informed soon after, leading to a large-scale rescue operation.…

13 Jul

Fresh wave of strikes fuels middle east tensions as US and Iran trade claims of military actions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, Iran, US

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): The security situation in the Middle East has grown increasingly volatile following reports of fresh military action involving the United States and Iran, with both sides claiming to have targeted key strategic locations. According to reports, the United States launched strikes on Iran’s Aghajari Oil and Gas Airport, where visuals circulating online appeared to show large flames and smoke rising from the facility. Reports also indicated that the Mahshahr petrochemical complex was among the sites hit during the latest operations. Iran, meanwhile, claimed it had carried out retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting several locations linked to…

13 Jul

Nepal’s Eviction Drive Sparks Nationwide Youth Outrage, Government Faces Growing Public Backlash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsNepal

Nepal (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh wave of public anger is sweeping across Nepal as protests against the government's anti-encroachment campaign continue to expand, with young activists leading demonstrations demanding justice for families displaced during recent eviction drives. The unrest has emerged as one of the strongest public challenges to Prime Minister Balen Shah's administration since it assumed office. Large crowds gathered in Kathmandu on Monday, accusing authorities of forcing hundreds of landless families out of informal settlements without providing permanent rehabilitation or dignified living arrangements. Protesters described the government's approach as "inhumane" and urged officials to suspend further demolitions until…

13 Jul

SI Faces Suspension, Legal Action After Child Seen Driving in Viral Clip; Telangana Police Launch Probe

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Telangana (Rajeev Sharma): A Telangana Police sub-inspector is facing suspension and departmental proceedings after a video allegedly showing his young granddaughter behind the wheel of a car went viral on social media. The incident has also resulted in a criminal case being registered over permitting a minor to drive. The Cyberabad Traffic Police said the matter pertains to the Narsingi Police Station area, where the child, reportedly around six-and-a-half years old, was seen driving a vehicle while an adult accompanied her. After the footage surfaced online, police initiated legal action against the guardian responsible for allowing the child to operate…

13 Jul

OCSA’s 3rd Annual Khed Mela Set to Bring Punjabi Culture, Community Spirit to Airdrie on August 2

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsOCSA

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Overseas Cultural Society of Airdrie (OCSA) is preparing to host its 3rd Annual Khed Mela on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, promising an evening filled with Punjabi culture, family entertainment, traditional games, live performances and community celebration. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from Airdrie, Calgary and neighbouring communities. Organized to celebrate Punjabi heritage while fostering multicultural harmony, the annual Khed Mela has become a popular summer gathering that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Organizers say the festival is designed…