Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

19 Jul

India and Canada Make Strides to Rebuild Diplomatic Ties: MEA

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, India, MEA

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India and Canada are taking concrete steps to mend their strained relationship, with both nations actively working towards reinstating their High Commissioners, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a "constructive discussion" on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada last month. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing bilateral ties and laid the groundwork for restoring full diplomatic engagement. "We had the meeting at the Prime Minister level in…

19 Jul

Mounting Complaints Against BLS International: The Sole Provider of Indian Consular Services in Canada Faces Scrutiny

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingBLS International, Canada

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): BLS International, the only agency authorized by the Indian consulate to handle visa, passport, and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) services in Canada, is under fire for alleged unethical practices, overcharging, and customer mistreatment. For many, like Prashant Vashista, BLS represents more than bureaucracy — it’s a painful memory. Two years ago, following his mother’s death, Vashista rushed to BLS’s Brampton centre seeking emergency visas for himself and his family. Despite collecting the documents in person, he says he was forced to pay $135 in courier charges — a service he never requested. “I was in dire…

18 Jul

Arjun Erigaisi Powers Into Semis, Praggnanandhaa Falls to Caruana in Freestyle Grand Slam

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsArjun Erigaisi, Fabiano Caruana, Freestyle Grand Slam Tour, Magnus Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa

National Times Bureau, July 18, 2025: Chennai’s Arjun Erigaisi stormed into the semifinals of the prestigious USD 750,000 Freestyle Grand Slam Tour with a dominant victory over Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The 20-year-old Indian Grandmaster secured the match 1.5-0.5, displaying top form and clinical precision.In contrast, fellow Indian star R Praggnanandhaa bowed out of the title race after a marathon 3-4 loss to the USA’s Fabiano Caruana. The seven-game thriller saw Praggnanandhaa take the lead on three occasions, but Caruana’s resilience helped him snatch victory in the decider.Arjun was unstoppable against Abdusattorov, maintaining an edge from the opening in both games.…

18 Jul

All Parties Back Impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma After Cash Scandal, Says Rijiju

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCongress support, judiciary corruption, Justice Yashwant Varma impeachment, Kiren Rijiju interview

New Delhi, July 18, 2025 — Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed on Friday that all major political parties, including the Congress, have agreed to support the impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma. The move follows the sensational discovery of half-burnt currency bundles at the judge’s Lutyens' Delhi residence in March.In an exclusive video interview with PTI, Rijiju emphasized that the initiative is not government-led but a unified stand taken by Members of Parliament across party lines. “I have spoken to all senior leaders of different political parties. I will also get in touch with some of the single-MP parties…

18 Jul

Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam Exposes Alleged CEO Affair, Sparks Viral Scandal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrendingAndy Byron scandal, Astronomer CEO controversy, Coldplay concert kiss cam, Kristin Cabot affair

Massachusetts, July 18, 2025 — A light-hearted moment during Coldplay’s recent concert in Massachusetts took a dramatic turn when the venue’s Kiss Cam landed on two unexpectedly familiar faces Andy Byron, CEO of tech firm Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. What followed was more than just awkward laughter it ignited a viral scandal.As the camera zoomed in, Byron was seen with his arm around Cabot. The pair’s visibly startled reaction, followed by an apparent attempt to avoid the spotlight, only added to the intrigue. Frontman Chris Martin, noticing the scene unfold on the big screen,…

18 Jul

Russia Downs 73 Ukrainian Drones in Overnight Barrage, Three Targeted Moscow

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsBryansk region drones, Kyiv Russia conflict, Moscow drone defence, Ukraine Russia drone attack

Moscow, July 18, 2025 — Russian air defence forces intercepted and destroyed 73 Ukrainian drones overnight, including three headed towards the capital, Moscow, according to a statement by Russia’s defence ministry on Friday.Most of the drones were shot down over the country’s southwestern regions, with 31 intercepted over the Bryansk region, which shares a border with Ukraine. The ministry released the information on its official Telegram channel.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that emergency services were deployed to inspect areas where drone debris had fallen. No casualties or damage were reported in the capital at the time of his statement.The drone…

18 Jul

India Welcomes U.S. Decision to Designate TRF as Global Terrorist Entity

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsThe Resistance Front, TRF designated terrorist, US India counter-terrorism

New Delhi, July 19, 2025 — India on Friday welcomed the United States’ decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), as a global terrorist organisation. The group had earlier claimed responsibility for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement in support of the designation, describing it as a timely and significant step in global counter-terrorism efforts. "We acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio in this regard," the ministry said.India has repeatedly underlined the importance of dismantling terror…

PM Modi to Inaugurate Halwara International Airport on July 27<br>Major Boost for Business and Tourism: Ar. Sanjay Goel

18 Jul

PM Modi to Inaugurate Halwara International Airport on July 27
Major Boost for Business and Tourism: Ar. Sanjay Goel

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsPunjabHalwara inauguration, Halwara International Airport, Ludhiana Airport, PM Modi Punjab visit

Ludhiana (Punjab), July 18, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the much-awaited Halwara International Airport on July 27, marking a historic moment for Ludhiana and the state of Punjab. The announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm, especially from business and civic leaders.Ar. Sanjay Goel, Former Director of Ludhiana Smart City Limited, welcomed the development, calling it a “moment of pride and joy” for Ludhiana, which has long yearned for international air connectivity.“This long-pending demand of Ludhiana’s people is finally becoming a reality. It will connect the city directly to global destinations and unlock new opportunities,” he said in…

18 Jul

High Commission of India in Ottawa Issues Advisory Against Scam Calls Targeting Indian Nationals in Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The High Commission of India in Ottawa has issued a public advisory warning Indian nationals and individuals of Indian origin in Canada about a surge in scam and spoofed telephone calls, emails, and communications impersonating Indian diplomatic officials. According to the advisory, these fraudulent communications often claim to involve issues related to Canadian visas, immigration status, job offers, or alleged criminal activities. The scammers demand payments or repayments of application fees and sometimes threaten individuals with legal action. Shockingly, some impostors have falsely presented themselves as officials from the High Commission of India, or from the Consulates…

18 Jul

Canada to begin issuing invitations for Parents and Grandparents Program from July 28

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Starting July 28, 2025, IRCC will invite 17,860 potential sponsors from the 2020 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program, aiming to accept 10,000 complete applications. This program enables eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Those not selected can consider the Super Visa, which allows extended stays in Canada.The Canadian government will begin issuing invitations to sponsor under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) starting July 28, 2025, according to an official statement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This move will allow Canadian citizens and permanent…