Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

05 Oct

Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Halted Temporarily Amid Weather Concerns

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingVaishno Devi

Katra (Rajeev Sharma): The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced a brief suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra following a weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The pilgrimage will remain on hold from October 5 to October 7, with plans to resume on October 8, 2025. The official update, shared via the Shrine Board’s social media handle, cites safety concerns due to anticipated rough weather conditions in the Trikuta Hills region, where the revered shrine is located. The forecast includes heavy rainfall and potential landslides, which could endanger the safety of pilgrims trekking the steep…

04 Oct

CM Dhami Approves ₹986 Crore for Statewide Development Projects Across Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Governance

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiainfrastructure projects, Panchayati Raj funding, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand development

Dehradun, October 4, 2025: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial sanctions totaling ₹986 crore for diverse development initiatives spanning urban infrastructure, rural empowerment, transportation, flood protection, and heritage restoration. The funding, drawn from both state and centrally sponsored schemes, aims to accelerate Uttarakhand’s growth trajectory while strengthening grassroots governance.Administrative Infrastructure Upgrades in Key DistrictsMajor allocations include the construction of a non-residential building in Barakot tehsil (Champawat), new residential quarters in Officers’ Colony (Haridwar), a meeting hall at the tehsil office (Pauri Garhwal), and a new office complex with a workshop and storeroom at Lohaghat Bus Station (Champawat).…

04 Oct

Keir Starmer to Visit India for First Time as UK Prime Minister, Focus on Trade and Strategic Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia-UK CETA, Keir Starmer India visit, Narendra Modi, Vision 2035

New Delhi, October 4, 2025: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake his first official visit to India from October 8 to 9 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday.During the visit, both leaders will meet in Mumbai on October 9 to review progress under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by Vision 2035 — a decade-long roadmap for cooperation in trade, technology, defence, climate, health, and education.The two prime ministers will also engage with top business and industry leaders to discuss new opportunities arising from the recently signed…

04 Oct

Shubman Gill Named India’s New ODI Captain for Australia Tour, Replacing Rohit Sharma

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsBCCI, Indian cricket, ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill

Mumbai, Oct 4, 2025: In a significant leadership change, opener Shubman Gill has been appointed as captain of the Indian ODI team for the upcoming tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma at the helm. The decision marks a generational shift in Indian cricket while retaining senior players for balance and mentorship.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member ODI squad on Saturday, featuring seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside emerging talents. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as vice-captain for the three-match ODI series.Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for workload management, while left-handed…

04 Oct

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna Reportedly Exchange Rings in Private Hyderabad Ceremony

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, IndiaHyderabad engagement, Rashmika Mandanna, Tollywood, Vijay Deverakonda

Hyderabad, Oct 4, 2025: South Indian film stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have reportedly gotten engaged in an intimate ceremony held in Hyderabad, according to sources close to their families.While neither actor has issued an official confirmation, reports indicate that the engagement took place around 11:15 a.m. on Friday at Deverakonda’s residence. The event was attended only by close family members, and no pictures from the ceremony have been released so far.The two, long rumored to be in a relationship, are said to be planning their wedding for February 2026. Their strong on-screen chemistry in films such as Geetha…

04 Oct

New U.S. Military Grooming Policy Sparks Backlash Over Religious and Personal Freedoms

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsbeard ban, grooming policy, Pete Hegseth, Sikh Coalition, U.S. military

Washington DC: The U.S. military is facing mounting criticism following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of a new grooming policy that bans most service members from keeping beards, allowing exemptions only for select special forces.Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth declared, “If you want a beard, join special forces. If not, shave. We don’t have a military full of Nordic pagans.” He condemned what he described as “rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles,” referring to medical and religious waivers that previously permitted facial hair for health or faith reasons.The newly introduced policy reverses years of progress on religious and…

04 Oct

SBI Donates ₹1.55 Crore to Haryana CM Relief Fund for Flood Assistance

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsHaryanaflood relief, Haryana CM Relief Fund, Nayab Singh Saini, SBI donation

Chandigarh, October 4: The State Bank of India (SBI) on Friday handed over a cheque worth ₹1.55 crore to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini as a contribution to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The donation aims to support ongoing flood relief operations across the state. Haryana’s Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Krishan Lal Panwar, was also present on the occasion.According to officials, the amount was collected from SBI employees who voluntarily contributed one day’s salary to assist those affected by floods in various parts of Haryana.The cheque was presented to the Chief Minister by SBI’s Chief General Manager, Krishna…

04 Oct

Ward 10 Candidate Tarlochan Sidhu Emerges as Frontrunner, Residents Signal Desire for Change

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Tarlochan Sidhu

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): The municipal race in Ward 10 is drawing intense attention, with Tarlochan Singh Sidhu emerging as a frontrunner, according to local community surveys and resident feedback. Sidhu, known for his deep community roots and focus on infrastructure improvements, public safety, and stronger neighborhood services, is being seen as a candidate capable of delivering change. Many Ward 10 residents, who have long expressed frustration over aging roads, traffic issues, and limited civic services, say they want a representative who will act on these concerns. “I believe Tarlochan Sidhu represents a fresh start for our ward,” one resident…

04 Oct

PM Modi Backs Trump’s Gaza Initiative as Hamas Signals Hostage Release

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsNarendra Modi

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed India’s firm support for renewed peace efforts in the Gaza conflict, applauding US President Donald Trump’s initiative following Hamas’s partial acceptance of a proposal to end hostilities. Calling it a “notable advancement,” Modi said the move toward the release of hostages by Hamas is an encouraging sign and a positive direction for the region's future. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), "India strongly supports all efforts toward a sustainable and just peace. We commend President Trump’s leadership in these crucial moments." The Indian Prime Minister’s remarks came after Hamas…

04 Oct

Indian-American Community Makes Landmark Contributions to U.S. Universities

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsUnited States

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Over the past 15 years, Indian-Americans have contributed more than $3 billion to institutions of higher learning across the United States, highlighting their growing philanthropic influence and deep connection to education. The data, drawn from a new study conducted by a prominent nonprofit organization, reveals that these donations span a range of academic fields, including science, engineering, medicine, and public policy. Much of the funding has been directed toward expanding access to education, creating scholarship programs, supporting cutting-edge research, and establishing new academic centers. The report points to a shared belief among many Indian-American donors that their…