Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

04 Jul

Monsoon Activity to Ease Briefly in Himachal Before Intensifying Again; Heavy Rain Warning From July 6

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): After several days of widespread showers and weather-related disruptions, Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness a temporary reduction in rainfall over the next two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the intensity of the monsoon will weaken briefly before another active spell begins from July 6 with the arrival of a fresh Western Disturbance. The weather department said most parts of the state are expected to experience relatively calm conditions over the next 48 hours. Except for isolated light showers in a few districts, no major weather alerts have been issued for Saturday and…

04 Jul

Argentina Edge Resilient Cape Verde in Extra Time to Keep World Cup Dream Alive

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingArgentina, Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Messi on target as reigning champions survive determined challenge from tournament debutants to reach Round of 16 Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after overcoming a spirited Cape Verde side 3-2 in an enthralling extra-time contest that tested the defending champions until the closing minutes. Lionel Messi once again delivered on the big stage, opening the scoring for Argentina in the first half with another clinical finish. However, Cape Verde refused to back down and matched the South American giants with an inspired performance, forcing the game beyond regulation time. The…

04 Jul

Israel Refutes Claims of Plot Against Iranian Officials During Backchannel Negotiations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIsrael

Jerusalem (Rajeev Sharma): The Israeli government has firmly denied reports suggesting that it planned to target senior Iranian negotiators during indirect discussions held earlier this year, calling the allegations entirely unfounded. In an official response, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the report, stating that the claims were false and did not reflect actual events. The statement accused the publication of presenting inaccurate information regarding Israel's role during the diplomatic process. The report had claimed that officials in the United States privately feared two senior Iranian representatives could face security threats while diplomatic efforts were underway. It further…

03 Jul

Anmol Bishnoi Moves Mumbai Court to Join Salman Khan Firing Case Trial

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, India, TrendingAnmol Bishnoi, Salman Khan

Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Gangster Anmol Bishnoi has filed an application before a Mumbai special court expressing his willingness to surrender in the case related to the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence. Currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail in connection with a separate investigation, Anmol has requested the court to facilitate his appearance so that he can formally become part of the ongoing trial. In the plea, Anmol stated that he is already in judicial custody under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and cannot appear before the Mumbai court without an official production order. He urged the court to…

03 Jul

Massive Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Devastates Kyiv, Death Toll Climbs to 27

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsKyiv

Kyiv (Rajeev Sharma): Russia launched one of its most intense aerial offensives against Kyiv in recent months, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 90 in a coordinated overnight barrage involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. The strikes triggered widespread destruction across the Ukrainian capital, with emergency crews working around the clock to rescue people trapped beneath the rubble. Air raid sirens sounded for hours as explosions rocked multiple districts of Kyiv. Residents sought shelter in metro stations and underground bunkers while fires broke out at several locations following the attacks. Thick smoke covered parts of…

03 Jul

Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal Into Round of 16, Sets New World Cup Record With Historic Goal Against Croatia

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingCristiano Ronaldo

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another memorable performance on the global stage, helping Portugal overcome Croatia 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 while setting a new tournament record that further cements his legendary status. The Portugal skipper converted a penalty in the second half to become the oldest footballer ever to score in a men's FIFA World Cup knockout match. The goal was particularly special as it marked the first time Ronaldo has found the net in a World Cup knockout fixture during his illustrious international career. Portugal controlled large portions of the contest but faced…

03 Jul

Iran Enters National Mourning as Funeral Ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei Begin; Senior IRGC Leaders Join Final Tributes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsAyatollah Khamenei

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has formally begun the state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands gathering in Tehran to pay their final respects to the country's former Supreme Leader. The multi-day programme marks the start of an extensive national mourning period, with ceremonies expected to continue across several cities before concluding later this week. As preparations intensified, senior figures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were seen attending official events linked to the funeral. Among them was General Ahmad Vahidi, whose appearance alongside other top officials drew attention as Iran's political and military leadership united to honour…

03 Jul

Amarnath Yatra Begins with Heavy Security Cover; Devotees Start Trek from Twin Base Camps

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingAmarnath Yatra

Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): The annual Amarnath Yatra formally began on Friday as the first groups of devotees set out for the holy cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas of south Kashmir. Pilgrims started their ascent from the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps under heightened security and comprehensive logistical arrangements put in place by the administration. Despite intermittent rainfall in several parts of the Valley, devotees began their journey before sunrise, chanting religious hymns as they embarked on the sacred trek. The annual pilgrimage, which attracts lakhs of worshippers from across the country, will continue for 57 days and conclude…

03 Jul

Donald Trump Again Credits Tariff Threat for India-Pakistan De-escalation; India Maintains Ceasefire Was Bilateral

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, India Pakistan War

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that his tariff policy played a decisive role in preventing a larger military confrontation between India and Pakistan, claiming economic pressure helped defuse tensions between the two neighbouring nations. Speaking during an interview with CNBC, Trump described tariffs as a powerful diplomatic tool and said they had enabled him to prevent several international conflicts. Referring to India and Pakistan, he alleged that both countries backed away from further escalation after being warned of harsh trade measures. According to Trump, he had informed both governments that continuing hostilities would result…

02 Jul

Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, NHAI Opens Key Viaduct and Tunnel to Boost Safer Highway Connectivity in J&K

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsAmarnath Yatra

Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant infrastructure boost ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed major engineering works on the Udhampur–Kathua–Doda stretch, enhancing safer and more reliable road connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. Officials confirmed that a 810-metre-long viaduct at Ramsoo and a 3.5-kilometre tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal in Ramban district have been completed and will be opened for traffic from July 3, 2026. These newly built structures are designed to bypass vulnerable and landslide-prone sections of the Ramban–Banihal corridor, one of the most challenging stretches on the Jammu–Srinagar…