Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

27 Jun

Odisha’s Rath Yatra Begins: Lord Jagannath Embarks on Sacred Journey Amid Devotion and Grandeur

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaLord Jagannath, Puri chariot festival, Rath Yatra 2025

Puri, June 27, 2025 — The sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Puri on Friday, drawing tens of thousands of devotees onto the Grand Road as the deities embarked on their nine-day journey to the Gundicha Temple. The streets echoed with devotional chants, rhythmic drumbeats, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual energy as chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra rolled forward in one of Hinduism's most revered festivals. The ceremonial highlight was the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual — a symbolic act of humility where Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, swept around the chariots with…

27 Jun

New School in US Named After Human Rights Icon Jaswant Singh Khalra, Aims to Inspire Future Generations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsJaswant Singh Khalra

California, USA (National Times): A new school named in honour of renowned Punjabi human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was officially inaugurated in the United States, marking a significant tribute to his legacy. The opening ceremony was attended by his wife, Parmjit Kaur, and daughter, Navkiran Kaur Khalra, alongside a large gathering of community members and guests. Jaswant Singh Khalra, known globally for exposing mass human rights violations in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s, continues to inspire social justice movements across the diaspora. The newly inaugurated school stands as a symbol of his enduring fight for truth, justice, and…

26 Jun

Frank Stronach to Face Trial Alone Before Judge in Toronto Early Next Year

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaFrank Stronach trial, judge-alone trial, Magna International founder, Toronto court

Toronto, June 26, 2025 — Canadian billionaire businessman and Magna International founder Frank Stronach is set to stand trial early next year in Toronto, facing legal proceedings without a jury. The trial will be presided over by a judge alone, as confirmed by a court decision earlier this week.Stronach, a prominent figure in the Canadian and international automotive industry, is accused of alleged criminal conduct. However, the specific charges and case details remain sealed under a publication ban imposed by the court to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.Court records indicate that preliminary hearings have already taken place, and…

26 Jun

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery in Germany

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsBCCI, Indian cricket, sports hernia surgery, Suryakumar Yadav

New Delhi, June 26, 2025 — Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in Germany, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Wednesday. The procedure was carried out as part of the batter’s recovery plan after being sidelined due to persistent abdominal discomfort.The surgery comes just weeks after India’s T20 World Cup triumph, in which Suryakumar played a vital role. He had been experiencing discomfort for some time, and medical scans revealed a sports hernia requiring immediate attention.BCCI stated that the procedure was successful and that Suryakumar is recovering well.…

26 Jun

‘A Hand Slap to America’s Face’: Iran’s Supreme Leader Hails Missile Strike on US Base

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsAyatollah Khamenei, Basharat al-Fath, Iran missile strike, US Iran tensions

Tehran, June 26, 2025 — In a rare public address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the recent missile attack on a US military base in Qatar a “strong and rightful response,” declaring it “a hand slap to America’s face.” His remarks mark Iran’s most assertive political statement following a surge in military tensions with the United States.The speech, broadcast nationwide on Iranian state television, came after Tehran officially confirmed its role in the missile strike earlier this week, which Iran said was retaliation for the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.Khamenei praised the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)…

26 Jun

India Declines to Sign SCO Defence Declaration Over Pahalgam Attack Omission

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBalochistan reference, India SCO refusal, Pahalgam attack, Rajnath Singh, SCO declaration 2025

New Delhi, June 26, 2025 — India refused to sign the joint defence declaration of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, China, citing the deliberate omission of the Pahalgam terror attack while referencing Pakistan’s internal conflict in Balochistan. The move marks a strong diplomatic statement against selective acknowledgment of terrorism.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the summit and objected to the exclusion of the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, where 26 Indian soldiers lost their lives. In contrast, the draft declaration explicitly mentioned militant activity in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, including the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express train.Calling it…

26 Jun

No Toll Tax for Two-Wheelers, Confirms Gadkari; FASTag-Based Annual Pass Coming from August 15

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaFASTag annual pass, NHAI, Nitin Gadkari, two-wheeler toll tax rumour, ₹3000 toll pass

New Delhi, June 26, 2025 — Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday dismissed media reports suggesting that the government is planning to impose toll taxes on two-wheeler vehicles. Calling the reports misleading, Gadkari clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that no such proposal has been made and the current exemption for two-wheelers at toll plazas will continue.“Some media outlets are spreading false news about toll tax on two-wheelers. There is no such plan. I condemn this kind of irresponsible journalism,” Gadkari stated firmly.The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) also issued a separate statement confirming that no toll is being considered…

26 Jun

Canada Blood Trail Deepens: Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Claims Second Hit in Brampton; Businessman MP Dhanoa Shot Dead

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Dhanoa, Lawrence Bishnoi

New Delhi/Toronto (National Times): The shadow of transnational gang violence continues to darken Canada, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility for yet another targeted killing. Indian-origin businessman MP Dhanoa was gunned down in a drive-by shooting outside his workplace in Brampton, Ontario on Friday. This marks the second murder in a month allegedly orchestrated by the Bishnoi syndicate on Canadian soil. Authorities said Dhanoa, in his 30s, was shot multiple times at an automotive complex near Rutherford Road South and Selby Road around 5:45 PM local time. Emergency responders transported him to a trauma centre in critical condition, but…

26 Jun

Jagran Ki Raat in Calgary a Divine Success: Ambe Society Shines with Scholarships and Mani Ladla’s Soulful Performance

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Ambe Society of Calgary successfully hosted a spiritually uplifting Jagran Ki Raat in Northeast Calgary, drawing a large crowd of devoted attendees despite inclement weather. The event was filled with devotion, cultural expression, and strong community engagement. Organizers Ricky Narula and Rajnish Singla, representing the Ambe Society, proudly announced the awarding of scholarships to four deserving students: Jigar Kanjani, Shrisha Gupta, Harsh Chugh, and Robin Sandhu. Each student received $1,500, made possible through generous public donations, sponsorships, and the unwavering community support surrounding this annual event. The evening commenced with a traditional Pooja, followed by devotional…

26 Jun

Rajnath Singh Calls for Unified Stand Against Terrorism at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaRajnath Singh

Qingdao (China) (National Times): In a strong and clear message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, urging all SCO member states to unite against the menace and reject double standards in combating terror. “We have demonstrated that terrorism's epicentres are no longer safe havens. India will not hesitate to take decisive action against them,” Singh asserted during his address, without naming any country, though the remarks were widely seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan. Singh joined his counterparts, including Chinese Defence Minister Admiral…