Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

29 Jul

India’s Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Gains Momentum with Focus on Andaman Basin

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaAndaman basin, Hardeep Singh Puri, hydrocarbon discoveries, India offshore oil exploration, Oil India Ltd, ONGC

Need Delhi, July 29, 2025: India is witnessing a renewed push in oil and gas exploration, particularly in offshore regions, as part of its strategic drive to tap into the country's vast untapped hydrocarbon reserves. Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the significance of unlocking nearly one million square kilometres of erstwhile 'No-Go' offshore areas in 2022, a move he described as a turning point in the nation’s energy sector.The opening of these offshore regions, especially deepwater zones like the Andaman-Nicobar (AN) basin, has spurred a new wave of exploration activity. Since 2015, Exploration…

29 Jul

Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre Over Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha Speech

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, PoliticsIndian Armed Forces, Indira Gandhi, Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam terror attack, Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, July 29 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a scathing attack on the government in the Lok Sabha, questioning India’s strategic and diplomatic handling of Operation Sindoor the military retaliation launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. Citing political interference, weakened international positioning, and compromised military autonomy, Gandhi accused the Modi government of jeopardizing national security for political gain.One of his most pointed allegations was that the armed forces were instructed not to strike Pakistani military infrastructure. He warned that such restrictions risked the lives of Indian pilots, asserting that if Indian jets were downed, it would not be…

29 Jul

Amit Shah’s Strong Statement in Lok Sabha: “Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev Delivered Justice to Pahalgam Victims”

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingAmit Shah, Lok Sabha, Operation Mahadev, Operation Sindoor

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed the Lok Sabha, giving a detailed account of the government’s decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. Condemning the brutal killings, Shah said, “Innocent civilians were killed in front of their families after being asked their religion. I condemn this barbaric act and express my deepest sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones.” Terrorists Neutralised in Joint Operation Shah revealed that in a joint operation by the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police, three terrorists involved in the attack, Suleman…

29 Jul

Parliament Monsoon Session: Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 2 PM, Amit Shah to Address Lok Sabha on Operation Sindoor

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingAmit Shah, Operation Sindoor, Parliament

New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament saw heated discussions on Tuesday as the Lok Sabha continued its debate on Operation Sindoor for the second consecutive day. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address the House between 12 pm and 1 pm, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to speak later in the evening, according to government sources. Key Business in Lok Sabha Apart from the discussion on Operation Sindoor, several standing committee reports will be tabled in the House. These include: Communications and Information Technology Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Rural Development and Panchayati…

29 Jul

Southern Alberta Begins Cleanup After Weekend of Heavy Rain and Giant Hail

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Canada

Southern Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Residents of southern Alberta are once again in recovery mode after another powerful storm struck the region over the weekend, bringing heavy rain and hailstones as large as tennis balls that caused widespread damage. On Sunday night, around 8 p.m., the Cardston area, roughly 90 minutes southeast of Calgary, was hit hard. The storm lasted about 20 minutes but left a lasting impact, shattered windows, dented vehicles, snapped trees, and destroyed crops. Severe Vehicle Damage Trevor Jones, manager of operations at Carstar Auto Repair, described the damage as overwhelming.“By 10 a.m. Monday, one insurer had already…

29 Jul

Canada Commits $40M to Support Palestinians, Pushes for Path Toward Statehood

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Palestine

New York (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is stepping up its role in the Middle East peace process, pledging $30 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s governance reforms as part of a broader push for the creation of a future Palestinian state. While Canada has not joined France in formally recognizing a Palestinian state, Ottawa has made clear it is prepared to help lay the groundwork for one that includes both Gaza and the West Bank, provided it is governed democratically and free from Hamas control. Aid and Statehood Support Foreign Affairs Minister Anita…

29 Jul

B.C. Premier Demands Equal Federal Support for Ferry Users After Ottawa Cuts Fares in Eastern Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingBritish Columbia

Victoria (Richa Walia): Premier David Eby is calling on the federal government to increase its support for ferry users in British Columbia after Prime Minister Mark Carney fulfilled his promise to cut ferry fares by 50% in Eastern Canada. Eby pointed out a stark funding gap: while Ottawa provides approximately $300 per person in subsidies for East Coast ferry users, those in B.C. receive just $1 per person. “We need the federal government to take a serious look at this policy and ensure fair treatment for ferry users in British Columbia,” Eby said Monday. Eastern Canada Gets Big Cuts, B.C.…

29 Jul

Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Enter “Intense Phase” as Deadline Nears: PM Mark Carney

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Donald Trump, Mark Carney

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that trade negotiations with the United States have entered an "intense phase" with a critical deadline approaching this Friday. “Canadians don't deserve this uncertainty… they want a resolution that makes sense for Canada,” Carney said at a press conference. “These negotiations are complex, but we are standing firm for Canadian interests.” Tariff Tensions Rise The talks follow escalating tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who last week suggested that a trade deal with Canada might not happen. “We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada,” Trump said. “I…

28 Jul

Trump Claims Role in India-Pakistan Ceasefire; Jaishankar Rebuts in Parliament

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World Newsceasefire claims, Donald Trump India Pakistan, Jaishankar rebuttal, Thailand Cambodia ceasefire

Washington/New Delhi – U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his assertion that his administration played a crucial role in halting a potential conflict between India and Pakistan, even as India firmly denied any American involvement in the matter.Speaking at a press conference, Trump claimed credit for orchestrating multiple global ceasefires, stating, “If I weren’t around, you’d have six major wars going on. India would be fighting with Pakistan.” He cited the recent ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia as another example of his influence, saying trade pressure brought the warring nations to the table. “I said, I’m not going…

28 Jul

Maharashtra Tightens Social Media Rules for Government Employees

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiacivil service rules, government employees, Maharashtra Government, social media guidelines

Mumbai, July 28, 2025 – The Maharashtra government has issued stringent new social media guidelines for its employees, prohibiting them from criticising any current or past government policies and mandating a clear separation between personal and official online activity.According to the Government Resolution (GR) released on Monday, employees across all state departments, public sector undertakings, and local bodies whether permanent, contractual, or temporary must refrain from using social media irrespossibly. Any violation of these norms will lead to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1979.The GR emphasizes that while employees may share posts about their professional achievements,…