Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Apr

France and the UK to host 40-nation summit on Strait of Hormuz security

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsEmmanuel Macron, Energy Crisis, Keir Starmer, Maritime security, Naval blockade, Strait of Hormuz

Paris (Rajeev Sharma): France and the United Kingdom have announced a major diplomatic initiative to address the deepening crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed they will co-host a joint video conference this Friday in Paris. The summit aims to bring together more than 40 non-belligerent nations to establish a coordinated and defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. The move follows a breakdown in peace negotiations in Islamabad, which has left the vital waterway under a sustained…

14 Apr

PM Modi and President Trump discuss West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz security

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDonald Trump, Energy Security, Narendra Modi, Strait of Hormuz, West Asia Conflict

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes 40-minute telephonic conversation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to address the escalating geopolitical crisis in West Asia. The primary focus of the dialogue was the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint that has recently been subjected to blockades. Both leaders underscored the critical importance of ensuring the strait remains open and secure to prevent a collapse of global energy supply chains. The conversation is particularly significant for India, which relies on the Gulf region for nearly 60 per cent of…

14 Apr

Second Round of US-Iran Talks Likely This Week as Islamabad Emerges as Key Venue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, Islamabad, US

Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh diplomatic efforts appear to be underway between the United States and Iran, with both sides reportedly considering a second round of high-level negotiations as tensions persist in the wake of their ongoing conflict. According to sources familiar with the development, Washington and Tehran are exploring the possibility of meeting again later this week, potentially around April 16. The renewed engagement is seen as an attempt to build on earlier discussions and work toward a broader agreement before the current ceasefire window runs out. While officials have not publicly confirmed the talks, multiple sources indicated that internal…

14 Apr

After Noida Clashes, UP Government Revises Labour Pay Scales Across Categories

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingNoida

Noida (Rajeev Sharma): A day after large-scale protests by factory workers shook parts of Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a fresh minimum wage structure aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over low pay. The revised rates, approved late Monday night, will be implemented retrospectively from April 1, officials said. The move follows unrest in Gautam Buddha Nagar, where demonstrations over wages and working conditions turned disruptive in several industrial zones. Pay Increase Across Key Industrial Districts According to the new notification, unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad will now receive ₹13,690 per month, marking a significant…

14 Apr

Canadian Deportation Case Derails After Gang-Linked Convict Fails to Appear in Hearing

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingAP Dhillon, Canada

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A deportation hearing in Canada involving an accused linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s network was unexpectedly called off after officials were unable to confirm his presence during virtual proceedings, exposing gaps in coordination between agencies. The accused, Abjeet Kingra, had been scheduled to appear before the Immigration and Refugee Board in connection with his removal from the country. However, the session was cut short within minutes when authorities admitted they could not determine his exact location despite him being in custody. Breakdown in Coordination Officials later revealed that Kingra had been shifted between correctional facilities, but the…

14 Apr

Standoff Over Nuclear Freeze Duration Thwarts Breakthrough in US-Iran Negotiations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIran, US

Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): A crucial round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a consensus, as both sides remained divided over the duration of restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. Negotiations held in Islamabad, facilitated by Pakistan, saw intense exchanges between senior officials from both countries. However, the central issue—how long Iran should suspend uranium enrichment—proved to be a dealbreaker. While the US proposed a long-term halt extending up to 20 years, Iran maintained that it could only commit to a significantly shorter timeframe. Diplomatic sources indicated that both sides presented formal proposals and explored possible compromises during…

14 Apr

US Tightens Naval Blockade; Trump Warns Iran Against Challenging Maritime Restrictions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Amid rising hostilities in West Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any attempt by its naval forces to approach or breach the newly enforced maritime blockade would invite decisive action. The United States military has implemented a sweeping blockade covering key waters in the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Arabian Sea, aiming to restrict access to Iranian ports and energy infrastructure. The move follows the collapse of diplomatic efforts and signals a shift toward more aggressive containment measures. In an official communication to global shipping operators, U.S.…

13 Apr

Hindu New Year 2083 & Hanuman Jayanti Celebrated with Devotion and Joy

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingHanuman Jayanti, Hindu New Year

Calgary (Himani Sharma): A vibrant and spiritually uplifting event was organised by the Devi Hindu Women Association to celebrate Hindu New Year 2083 and Hanuman Jayanti.The event was beautifully organized by Shailley Saraswat, Nishtha Saraswat, Shilpi, along with their dedicated team, who ensured a memorable experience for all attendees. The celebration featured soulful devotional activities including bhajans, the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, and Hanuman Stuti, filling the atmosphere with devotion and positivity. Children also participated enthusiastically, presenting wonderful performances that added charm and joy to the occasion. In addition to the spiritual programs, the event hosted a variety of…

13 Apr

Dalal Street Opens Deep in Red as Crude Rally and Geopolitical Tensions Shake Investor Confidence

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingDalal Street

Mumbai (Rajeev Sharma): Indian stock markets started the week on a weak note, with benchmark indices witnessing a steep decline in early trade on Monday, driven by surging oil prices and escalating global uncertainties. The BSE Sensex slipped sharply at the opening bell, losing over 1,600 points, while the Nifty 50 dropped around 400 points, reflecting a broad-based sell-off across sectors. The fall follows a spike in international crude oil prices, with Brent crossing the $100-mark after diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran failed to yield any breakthrough. Concerns over a potential disruption in oil supply intensified after…

13 Apr

Mumbai Prepares for State Funeral as Asha Bhosle’s Final Journey Set for Shivaji Park

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, India, TrendingAsha Bhosle

Mumbai (Rajeev Sharma): The city of Mumbai is gearing up to pay its last respects to legendary singer Asha Bhosle, whose final rites will be conducted with full state honours at Shivaji Park on Monday afternoon. The revered artist passed away on Sunday at the age of 92, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy. Her mortal remains were brought to her residence in Lower Parel, where family members, close associates, and admirers gathered to mourn the loss. The public will be allowed to pay their respects from 11 am before the cremation ceremony scheduled for 4 pm. Maharashtra Chief Minister…