Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

28 Aug

Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Death Toll Climbs to 310; Losses Exceed Rs 2,623 Crore

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDeath Toll, Floods, Himachal Pradesh, Losses

Shimla: The ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in 310 fatalities since June 20, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reporting 158 deaths due to rain-related incidents and 152 caused by road accidents.Rain-related fatalities include landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and other weather-triggered events. The period from June 20 to August 27 also saw 369 injuries, with 38 people still missing. Livestock losses have been heavy, with 1,852 animals and 25,755 poultry birds perishing in the rains.Damage to property has been widespread. Public infrastructure including roads, water supply systems, and power lines has sustained losses exceeding…

28 Aug

Government Extends Duty-Free Cotton Imports Till Year-End

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingCotton

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a bid to ensure smooth supply for the textile and apparel sector, the Central Government has announced an extension of the import duty exemption on raw cotton (HS 5201) till December 31, 2025. The waiver was first introduced for the period August 19 to September 30, 2025, to ease raw material shortages faced by spinning units and exporters. With the latest decision, industry players will now have additional time to import cotton without the burden of customs duty. Officials said the move is aimed at supporting India’s textile value chain, which has been under pressure…

28 Aug

Two Terrorists Eliminated in Foiled Infiltration Bid Along LoC in Gurez, Bandipora

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingGurez, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar (National Times): Two unidentified terrorists were shot dead in a joint anti-infiltration operation near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Naushehra Nard area of Gurez sector in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, the Army said on Thursday. The operation was launched after specific intelligence input from the Jammu and Kashmir Police indicated a possible infiltration attempt in the region. Acting swiftly, personnel from the Indian Army and J&K Police initiated a coordinated search in the densely forested area near the LoC. According to a statement shared by the Army's Chinar Corps on platform X (formerly Twitter), the alert troops…

28 Aug

Twin Cloudbursts Wreak Havoc in Kishtwar’s Warwan Valley, Dozens Displaced

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingKishtwar

Kishtwar (National Times): A remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Warwan Valley was left devastated after twin cloudbursts struck Margi village, triggering flash floods and landslides that destroyed homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure. According to local officials, the sudden cloudbursts hit late Wednesday night, unleashing a torrent of water and debris. The force of the flooding swept away at least 30 houses, inundated nearly 60 more, and obliterated a crucial bridge that connected the area to nearby regions. More than 300 kanals of irrigated farmland—essential to the valley’s largely agrarian economy—were destroyed. Dozens of livestock, a critical livelihood asset for…

27 Aug

PM Mark Carney Says Putin Afraid to Meet Zelenskyy, Reaffirms Canada’s Support for Ukraine

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Kyiv, Mark Carney, Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ottawa/Kyiv (Rajeev Sharma) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss an end to the ongoing war.Speaking at a press conference on August 27, Carney remarked that Putin “keeps setting conditions and delaying because he fears this meeting.” He noted that Zelenskyy is prepared to hold talks with Putin “on any neutral territory,” making clear that Ukraine’s president does not expect Putin to travel to Kyiv and has no plans to visit Moscow for such a meeting.Carney stressed that continued international support for…

27 Aug

Man Dies After Incident at Prince Rupert Summer Carnival, Investigations Underway

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBritish Columbia, Prince Rupert, RCMP, Shooting Star Amusements, Summer Carnival, Zipper ride

Prince Rupert, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma) — A man died after being found unconscious at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival on Tuesday night.RCMP said they received a call around 10:40 p.m. PT about an injured man near one of the rides. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The incident reportedly took place near the carnival’s thrill ride, the Zipper.Police confirmed that an investigation is underway, with WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Coroners Service also involved. The area has been cordoned off as officials continue their work.In response, Shooting Star Amusements, which operates the carnival, announced that it would not open…

27 Aug

Monsoon Season Brings Health Risks, Experts Stress Hygiene and Immunity Boost

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestylechikungunya, dengue, flu prevention, immunity, malaria, Monsoon illnesses, seasonal health, vaccination

National Times Bureau, August 27, 2025: The monsoon brings relief from the summer heat, but it also creates the perfect environment for seasonal illnesses such as flu, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. This makes it important to strengthen immunity, practice hygiene, and remain alert to early symptoms.Seasonal changes, especially heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures, can weaken the body’s natural defences. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable because their immunity is either still developing or has begun to decline with age. Extra care, preventive measures, and timely vaccination are essential during this season.To reduce the risk of infection, experts highlight some…

27 Aug

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Approves ₹6.89 Crore for Development and Heritage Projects Across Six Districts

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaheritage revival, Pushkar Singh Dhami, temple beautification, Uttarakhand development projects

Dehradun, August 27 – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial sanctions worth ₹6.89 crore for a range of developmental and cultural projects across six districts of the state. The projects include roads, playgrounds, temple beautification, digital service centres, and heritage revival, reflecting the government’s focus on holistic growth and cultural preservation.In Dehradun district, ₹1 crore has been sanctioned for the establishment of a Nature Park in Hesco Village, Shuklapur, with ₹60 lakh released as the first installment. In Chamoli district, ₹45.40 lakh has been approved for the renovation and reconstruction of the ancient Kwatha in Sarkot village…

27 Aug

US Slaps 50% Tariff on Indian Goods, Exporters Warn of Severe Job Losses

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, Indiaapparel exports, gems and jewellery, Indian exports, job losses, shrimp exports, trade war, US tariffs on India

New Delhi — India’s export sector faces a major blow after the United States imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, a move exporters fear will cripple industries and trigger massive job losses.The penalty effectively doubles the existing 25 per cent duty by adding an additional 25 per cent levy on Indian imports. Shrimp, apparel, leather, and gems and jewellery sectors heavily dependent on the US market are expected to be the worst hit.The US is India’s largest export destination, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the country’s $437.42 billion in goods exports in 2024–25. Bilateral…

27 Aug

PM Modi Condoles Passing of Punjabi Comedy Icon Jaswinder Bhalla

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, Indiacomedy icon, condolence letter, Jaswinder Bhalla, Narendra Modi, Punjab actor, Punjabi cinema

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran Punjabi actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla, sending a personal condolence letter to his wife, Parmdeep Kaur Bhalla. In his letter, PM Modi described Bhalla as an “iconic figure of Punjabi cinema” whose comic genius brought joy to countless lives. He lauded Bhalla’s memorable performances and effortless humor, noting that his absence represents a significant loss for the world of art and Punjabi entertainment. The Prime Minister also highlighted Bhalla’s academic contributions. Before gaining fame on screen, Bhalla served as a professor of agriculture, blending scholarly knowledge…