Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

06 Jul

World Chocolate Day: Seven Countries Where Chocolate Transcends Treats and Becomes a Cultural Journey

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestylechocolate culture, chocolate tourism, chocolate travel, global chocolate traditions, World Chocolate Day

National Times Bureau: Chocolate lovers worldwide are raising a toast or rather, a truffle to World Chocolate Day on July 7, celebrating a delicacy that has crossed borders, generations, and even entered the realm of cultural identity.While most enjoy chocolate as a sweet indulgence perhaps a dessert after dinner or a comforting bar during difficult days in several corners of the globe, chocolate is far more than just a snack. It’s woven into history, ritual, cuisine, and national pride.Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pickyourtrail, shared with HT Lifestyle a glimpse into seven countries where chocolate isn’t merely eaten it’s experienced:Mexico: Once…

06 Jul

SC Asks Centre to Reclaim CJI’s Bungalow, Chandrachud Faces Flak for Overstaying

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCJI residence, DY Chandrachud, Krishna Menon Marg, Supreme Court

New Delhi, July 6 — In an unprecedented development, the Supreme Court administration has formally asked the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to reclaim the official residence of former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, citing his continued occupancy well beyond the permissible period after demitting office in November last year.Sources confirmed that the top court’s administration wrote to the ministry on July 1, requesting urgent repossession of Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, traditionally allotted to the sitting CJI. The permitted retention period expired on May 31, 2025, and the six-month grace period provided under housing…

06 Jul

Hindustan Shipyard Limited Signs MoU with Pentagon Rugged Systems to Collaborate on Anti-Drone Technology and Long-Range NLOS Communication for Naval Platforms

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAnti-drone Technology, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, MoU, Pentagon

Visakhapatnam, July 5, 2025: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a premier shipbuilding and defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, has taken a decisive step towards future warfare readiness by signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Pentagon Rugged Systems India Limited on 05 Jul 2025 to jointly integrate cutting-edge Anti-Drone Systems on Naval ships with cutting-edge solutions in maritime security and communication. The MoU was signed with a focus on two key areas: the integration of advanced Anti-Drone Systems on Indian Naval ships and the development and deployment of Long-Range Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Communication Systems to enhance naval operational capabilities.The partnership aims…

06 Jul

Dalai Lama Turns 90, Reaffirms Reincarnation Plan, Draws Fresh Rebuke From China

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsChina, Dalai lama, Dharamsala, reincarnation, Richard Gere, Tibet

Dharamsala, July 6 — The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday amid a week of festivities attended by followers, celebrities, and global leaders, even as his remarks on succession reignited tensions with China.Thousands gathered in Dharamsala, his long-time home in exile, to honor the Nobel laureate, whose influence extends well beyond Buddhism. Among the guests were Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter, and officials from India and the United States.In a birthday message shared on his website, the Dalai Lama described himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk,” pledging to continue…

06 Jul

Djokovic Hits 100 Wins at Wimbledon, Joins Elite Club

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsMiomir Kecmanovic, Novak Djokovic, tennis records, Wimbledon

London, July 6 — Novak Djokovic etched his name deeper into Wimbledon history on Saturday, becoming only the third player ever to record 100 singles victories at the prestigious tournament.The seven-time Wimbledon champion eased past compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 on Centre Court, notching the century milestone in his 20th appearance at the All England Club.“Any history that I make in my favorite tournament, I'm blessed,” Djokovic, 38, told the crowd in his on-court interview.He joins an elite group alongside Martina Navratilova, who leads with 120 singles wins, and Roger Federer, who finished his career with 105 Wimbledon singles…

06 Jul

Cloudburst Havoc in Himachal: 5 Bridges Washed Away; 75 Dead Since June 20; Tragedy Strikes Jharkhand Coal Mine, 4 Killed

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh, Jharkhand

Chamba/Mandi/Ranchi (National Times): Monsoon fury continues to batter parts of India, with Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar witnessing devastating weather-related incidents over the weekend. Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts Wreak Havoc, 5 Bridges Swept Away In Himachal Pradesh, cloudbursts in the Chamba and Mandi districts triggered large-scale destruction early Saturday. Five bridges, including a motor bridge and three pedestrian footbridges in Mandi's Chauhar Valley, and another bridge over the Kanghela drain in Chamba, were swept away by gushing waters. Since the monsoon hit the hill state on June 20, 75 people have died, and 288 have been injured in incidents…

06 Jul

Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ to Challenge US Political Establishment: “Time to Take Back Your Freedom”

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, Elon Musk

Washington (National Times): Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has officially launched a new political party in the United States, the America Party, claiming it is a response to what he called the country’s “one-party system” and mounting government overreach. The announcement, made via a post on Musk’s social media platform X, marks a dramatic new chapter in American politics, especially given Musk’s former status as one of Donald Trump’s most prominent political donors during the 2024 election cycle. Fallout with Trump Sparks New Political Movement Musk’s decision to break ranks with Trump comes after a bitter public feud. The Tesla…

06 Jul

Public Outcry Forces Delhi Government to Put Brakes on Scrapping Old Vehicles

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingDelhi

New Delhi (National Times): In a major U-turn driven by widespread public backlash, the Delhi government has paused its controversial order to restrict fuel supply to "end-of-life" vehicles—petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10. Announcing the rollback, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa admitted that the implementation of the policy faced "technological hurdles and complex enforcement challenges." He said the government is now considering a targeted crackdown on visibly polluting and poorly maintained vehicles, rather than penalizing those who maintain their older cars and bikes in good condition. What Triggered the Controversy?The decision comes just a…

06 Jul

PM Mark Carney attends Calgary Stampede, Celebrates Community Spirit at Breakfast Event

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaMark Carney

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney made a high-profile appearance at the Calgary Stampede, attending a Stampede Breakfast at the grounds and joining thousands of Albertans in celebrating Canada’s most iconic summer festival.Dressed in a cowboy hat and traditional western attire, Prime Minister Carney embodied the true Stampede spirit as he interacted with families, volunteers, and local leaders. He savored the classic pancake breakfast and posed for photos with enthusiastic attendees. In a brief yet heartfelt address, Carney commended the Stampede for its legacy and community impact: “The Calgary Stampede is a powerful symbol of Canadian culture, resilience, and…

06 Jul

Reet Mushiana Launches Ward 5 Campaign with Stampede Breakfast in Northeast Calgary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Community advocate and aspiring city councillor Reet Mushiana formally initiated her 2025 municipal election campaign for Ward 5 with a vibrant and well-attended Stampede Breakfast in Northeast Calgary. The event united families, friends, and residents from across Ward 5 for a morning filled with pancakes, children’s activities, and community spirit. Children enjoyed face painting and cowboy hats, while attendees had the opportunity to connect with one another and meet the candidate. Speaking to National Times, Reet Mushiana stated, "Today, as families lined up for pancakes and kids ran off with painted faces and cowboy hats, I felt…