Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

28 Jul

B.C. Man Escapes Cougar Attack with Minor Injuries After Punching Predator

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingBritish Columbia, Canada

Smithers, B.C. (Richa Walia): A man in British Columbia’s northern Interior is recovering from minor injuries after a dramatic encounter with a cougar that he says ended when he punched the animal in the face. According to a statement from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday near Lake Kathlyn, close to Smithers, approximately 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. The man, who was working in the area at the time, reported that the cougar suddenly approached and struck him in the upper body. Acting quickly, he punched the wild cat in the face, causing…

28 Jul

Supreme Court Urges EC to Consider Aadhaar and Voter ID as Valid Documents for Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingBihar, Supreme Court

New Delhi (National Times): The Supreme Court on Monday once again urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider allowing Aadhaar cards and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) as valid documents for establishing the identity of voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The apex court, while hearing a petition related to the electoral roll revision process, reiterated the importance of ensuring a transparent and inclusive verification process. It asked the Election Commission to review its existing guidelines and explore the feasibility of accepting both Aadhaar and EPIC as admissible identity documents for…

28 Jul

Parliament Gears Up for High-Stakes 16-Hour Debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ Amid Monsoon Session

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Politics, TrendingOperation Sindoor, Parliament

New Delhi (National Times): The Lok Sabha is set to witness a heated 16-hour-long debate on Monday, July 28, over Operation Sindoor, India’s military counterstrike following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The discussion marks a crucial moment in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with both the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc expected to lock horns on key aspects of the operation and its geopolitical implications. According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Business Advisory Committee had unanimously decided to prioritise a special discussion on Operation Sindoor, following persistent demands from the Opposition, especially the Congress, for clarity…

27 Jul

Centre Firmly Opposes Lowering Age of Consent, Cites Risk of Abuse and Exploitation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAge of Consent, child protection, POCSO Act, sexual abuse, Supreme Court, Union Government

New Delhi, July 27, 2025: The Union government has strongly opposed any move to reduce the legal age of consent from 18 to 16 years, warning that such a step could endanger children by creating legal loopholes that may be exploited under the pretext of consensual relationships.In a written submission to the Supreme Court, the Centre stated that loosening age-based protections “could open avenues for abuse under the guise of consensual activity.” The statement came as the apex court continues hearing a 2012 public interest litigation filed by Nipun Saxena concerning the age of consent under Indian law.The government asserted…

27 Jul

India Survive Day 5 Onslaught to Draw 4th Test, Keep Series Alive at 2–1

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports4th Test 2025, India vs England, Manchester Test, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill century, Washington Sundar

Manchester, July 27, 2025 — India pulled off a gripping draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, denying the hosts a decisive series win. Starting Day 5 under immense pressure and trailing by 311 runs, India showcased exceptional resilience and batting discipline to shut the door on England's hopes of victory.Shubman Gill continued his remarkable run as captain, scoring his fourth century of the series. His 103 not only steadied India early but also put him in elite company with Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar, who are the only other captains in Test history to have four…

27 Jul

Green Is the New Gold: How Eco-Friendly Weddings Are Reshaping Indian Celebrations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestyleconscious celebration, eco-friendly weddings, green wedding India, sustainable lifestyle

From digital invites to zero-waste décor, a new generation is saying 'I do' to sustainability.Udaipur, July 21, 2025 — In a country known for its grand, multi-day weddings, a quieter, greener shift is taking place. Young Indian couples are increasingly choosing eco-conscious celebrations over opulence, ushering in a new era of mindful matrimony.Whether it’s skipping plastic, using locally sourced flowers, or replacing lavish buffets with farm-to-table menus, weddings are being reimagined with sustainability at the center. The idea isn’t to lose the charm of tradition but to align celebration with conscience.One major change is the invitation. Paper invites, once a…

27 Jul

India’s UK Trade Deal Offers Tariff Cuts on Cakes, Cosmetics, Jet Engines—But Keeps Gold and Tea Protected

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaCETA, cosmetics, Gold, India-UK FTA, pastries, pet food, tariff concessions

New Delhi, July 27, 2025: India has extended tariff concessions to an array of British goods under a new free trade agreement (FTA) signed with the United Kingdom, including pastries, pet food, and cosmetics, while shielding sectors deemed sensitive to domestic interests.The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed on July 24, grants phased tariff cuts to nearly 90% of UK-origin products. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the deal reflects a calibrated approach that opens India’s markets gradually, giving domestic manufacturers time to adjust.Under the agreement, tariffs will be eliminated on a wide range of consumer goods…

27 Jul

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Receives Death Threat; Police Launch Investigation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, PoliticsBihar, death threat, Patna SP Diksha, Police Investigation, Samrat Choudhary

Patna, July 27, 2025: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has reportedly received a death threat, triggering police action on Sunday. According to officials, an unknown individual sent a threatening message to the mobile phone of one of Choudhary’s supporters, warning that the deputy CM would be shot dead within 24 hours.Despite the disturbing threat, Choudhary appeared unfazed. When asked about the message, he stated, “People of Bihar know that we are committed to the overall development of the state, and we will continue to do so.”Patna (Central) Superintendent of Police Diksha informed PTI that no official complaint had been…

27 Jul

Jadeja and Washington Lead India’s Gritty Resistance on Day 5, Keep Draw Hopes Alive

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsBen Stokes, Day 5, India vs England 4th Test, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar

London, July 27 – India clawed their way back into contention for a hard-fought draw in the fourth Test as Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted with grit and composure on day five. Their unbeaten half-centuries frustrated England and lifted India to 322 for four at tea, giving the visitors a slender 11-run lead.Washington Sundar (58* off 139) and Ravindra Jadeja (53* off 102) shared an unbroken stand that added 99 runs in a wicket-less afternoon session. Their dogged effort not only steadied India’s innings but also dented England’s morale, which had surged after a strong morning spell by Ben…

27 Jul

Stampede Near Mansa Devi Temple Claims Six Lives, Ex Gratia Announced

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAIIMS Rishikesh, CM Dhami, Haridwar stampede, mansa devi temple, Uttarakhand news

Haridwar, July 27 – A tragic stampede near the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar on Sunday morning claimed at least six lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred during a heavy influx of devotees at the temple, leading to chaos and panic.In response, both the Mansa Devi Temple Trust and the Uttarakhand government have announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for each of the injured. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the tragedy.The Chief Minister visited…