Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

02 Aug

Government Appoints Bankers and Legal Advisors for LIC Stake Sale; IDBI Bidder Likely by March

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaDIPAM, IDBI Bank disinvestment, legal advisors, LIC stake sale, merchant bankers

New Delhi, Aug 2, 2025: The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) has completed the process of appointing merchant bankers and legal advisors to assist with the proposed stake sale in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), according to DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla. The announcement marks a significant step in the government’s broader divestment strategy for key financial institutions.Chawla also stated that the government expects to finalise the selection of a winning bidder for IDBI Bank by March. Financial bids for IDBI will be invited after October, with the government aiming to receive them by December. The central…

02 Aug

PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Growth Path Amid Trump’s ‘Dead Economy’ Jibe and US Tariffs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiadead economy, Donald Trump, India third largest economy, PM Modi, Swadeshi, US tariffs

Varanasi, Aug 2, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s economic resilience on Saturday, asserting that the nation is steadily moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Speaking at a public gathering in Banauli village in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Modi emphasized that amid global instability and uncertainty, India must focus sharply on its own economic priorities.His remarks come just days after US President Donald Trump described India as a “dead economy” and imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, alongside threats of a penalty over India’s continued trade ties with Russia, particularly in the military and energy…

02 Aug

India Defends Russian Oil Purchases Amid Tariff Threats and Global Scrutiny

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsG7 price cap, India Russian oil imports, Indian oil refiners, President Trump Russian oil

New Delhi, Aug 2, 2025: India has reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing crude oil from Russia despite growing international scrutiny and recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a potential halt. Speaking to ANI, government sources emphasized that Indian oil refiners make procurement decisions based on pragmatic considerations such as pricing, crude grade, inventory levels, and logistical viability.Russia, the world’s second-largest crude oil producer and exporter, continues to play a key role in the global energy landscape, with an output of 9.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) and exports amounting to nearly 7 mb/d. Indian officials underscored that fears…

02 Aug

Yuzvendra Chahal Breaks Silence on Viral “Sugar Daddy” T-Shirt Amid Divorce Drama

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, Trendingcourt appearance, Dhanashree Verma, divorce, sugar daddy T-shirt, Yuzvendra Chahal

National Times Bureau, Aug 2, 2025: Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has finally spoken out about the viral black T-shirt he wore to his final court appearance during his ongoing divorce from influencer and choreographer Dhanashree Verma. The shirt, boldly printed with the words “Be your Own Sugar Daddy”, had sparked widespread speculation, with many interpreting it as a pointed dig at his estranged wife.In a recent conversation with entrepreneur and content creator Raj Shamani, Chahal confirmed that the public’s interpretation wasn’t far off. “Mereko nahi karna tha drama (I did not want to do any drama),” he said. “I just…

02 Aug

Anil Ambani Under ED Scanner in ₹3,000 Crore Loan Fraud Case; Lookout Circular Issued

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness000 crore loan fraud, Anil Ambani, Enforcement Directorate, Lookout Circular, Yes Bank, ₹3

National Times Bureau, Aug 2, 2025: Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani is under heightened scrutiny after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against him in connection with a ₹3,000 crore bank loan fraud and money laundering probe. The LOC, which prevents individuals facing serious financial crime allegations from leaving the country, has been circulated to all immigration checkpoints.Ambani has been summoned by the ED for questioning on August 5. This development comes in the wake of a sweeping search operation on July 24, during which the agency raided over 50 companies and more than 25 individuals linked…

02 Aug

B.C. Jobs Minister Kahlon Urges Ottawa to ‘Negotiate Hard’ Over US Tariffs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingBritish Columbia, Ravi Kahlon

Victoria (Richa Walia): British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, has called on the federal government to “negotiate hard” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent. Kahlon said Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc must stay the course. “Keep your head down, stay at the table, and find solutions without getting distracted by the day-to-day swings of the U.S. president,” he urged. Premier David Eby’s office also released a statement emphasizing that his priority remains protecting BC workers and businesses from what he…

02 Aug

CM Pushkar Dhami, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta Discuss Military-Civil Coordination in Border Areas of Uttarakhand

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaPushkar Dhami, Uttarakhand

Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday met Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta (UYSM, AVSM, YSM), General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command of the Indian Army, at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office to discuss strengthening coordination between the military and civil administration in the state’s border regions. During the meeting, CM Dhami lauded the Indian Army’s role in safeguarding the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and integrity, while also highlighting its active involvement in development activities and close collaboration with civil society. “In our border state of Uttarakhand, the Army has been playing a crucial role not only…

02 Aug

Premier Danielle Smith Responds to US Tariff Hike on Canadian Goods

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Danielle Smith

Edmonton: Following the United States’ decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued a strong statement urging the federal government to take immediate action to strengthen Canada’s economy and trade relations. While welcoming the exemption of CUSMA-compliant goods, including Alberta’s key exports such as oil, gas, and agricultural products, Premier Smith expressed disappointment over the tariff increase on other Canadian goods. “These tariffs hurt both Canadian and American businesses and workers, and they weaken one of the most important trade and security alliances in the world,” Smith said. Call for Diplomacy and…

02 Aug

Alberta Gears Up to Host Men’s U21 Pan American Cup

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Calgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is set to welcome some of the best young volleyball talent from across the Americas as the province prepares to host the Men’s U21 Pan American Cup from August 5–10. Teams from North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean will compete in this high-stakes tournament, which also serves as the final stop before the 2025 U21 World Championships. With its deep roots in the sport, being the first country outside the United States to play volleyball, Canada, and Alberta in particular, provide a fitting stage for the international event. Alberta’s Investment in Sports The Alberta government…

02 Aug

India Defends Russian Oil Purchases, Cites Role in Stabilising Global Energy Markets

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsDonald Trump, India, Russia

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Indian oil refiners will continue to source crude oil from Russian suppliers, with procurement decisions guided by factors such as price, crude grade, inventories, logistics, and other economic considerations, sources told ANI on Saturday. Russia, the world’s second-largest crude oil producer, pumps around 9.5 million barrels per day (mb/d), almost 10% of global demand, and exports nearly 4.5 mb/d of crude oil along with 2.3 mb/d of refined products. Sources noted that fears of Russian oil being excluded from the market in 2022 drove Brent crude prices to a record US$137 per barrel in March 2022.…