Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

02 Jul

One Dead, Three Injured After SUV Hits Bridge Construction Site Near Atal Tunnel

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingAtal Tunnel

Manali (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night road accident near the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh claimed the life of a Rajasthan tourist and left three others injured after their sport utility vehicle crashed into an under-construction bridge structure, police said on Thursday. The accident occurred near the tunnel's north portal when the Scorpio carrying four passengers was travelling from Manali towards the Lahaul region. The force of the collision drove the vehicle into exposed steel reinforcement bars at the construction site, leaving it extensively damaged and trapping the occupants inside. Police identified the deceased as Kailash, 34, a resident of Rajasthan's…

02 Jul

Doha Talks End Without Major Breakthrough as US and Iran Continue Diplomatic Engagement

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDoha

Doha (Rajeev Sharma): The latest round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Doha, Qatar, with both sides agreeing to continue diplomatic contacts despite making no major announcements on unresolved issues. The discussions centred on implementing elements of a temporary agreement reached earlier, with particular attention given to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the release of Iranian financial assets held overseas. According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the two-day meeting focused largely on technical matters rather than politically sensitive topics. Representatives from Washington and Tehran held separate consultations through Qatari and Pakistani…

02 Jul

Facing Domestic Fuel Crunch, Russia Sources Petrol from India Amid Refinery Disruptions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, Trending, World NewsIndia, Russia

Moscow (Rajeev Sharma): Russia has begun importing petrol from India as the country works to overcome fuel shortages caused by repeated attacks on its energy infrastructure, signalling an unusual shift for one of the world’s leading oil producers. According to industry sources, the first consignments of Indian gasoline have already been dispatched to Russia by sea. Initial deliveries are estimated to total around 60,000 metric tonnes, with additional shipments expected as Moscow attempts to stabilise fuel supplies across the country. The shortages have emerged after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes damaged several Russian oil refineries, affecting domestic fuel production.…

01 Jul

Premier Danielle Smith Celebrates Alberta’s Contributions in Canada Day Address

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlbertaAlberta Premier, Canada Day, Danielle Smith, National values

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued an official statement marking Canada Day, calling on citizens to reflect on the core foundational values that unite the country, specifically highlighting freedom, democracy, and mutual respect. In her address, she noted that Canada remains globally recognized as a land of opportunity, a status forged by generations of resilient families whose hard work established strong, stable communities nationwide. The Premier emphasized the pivotal role that Albertans have played in shaping national success since Confederation. She pointed to the province's ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong work ethic as key drivers that have consistently…

01 Jul

North American Trade at a Crossroads: USMCA Review Sparks Fresh Uncertainty for Canada, U.S. and Mexico

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAutomotive rules, Supply chains, Tariffs, Trade review, USMCA negotiation

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): North America’s economic partnership has entered a decisive phase as Canada, the United States and Mexico begin the first mandatory six-year review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). The review, which officially commenced on July 1, is widely viewed as one of the most consequential trade negotiations since the agreement replaced NAFTA in 2020. Governments and businesses across the continent are closely watching the outcome, which could reshape the future of regional trade and investment. The review has gained heightened attention after the Trump administration signaled that it does not intend to offer an automatic extension of…

01 Jul

Early-Morning Expressway Crash in Unnao Leaves Five Dead; Rescue Teams Save Eight Injured

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingUnnao

Lucknow (Rajeev Sharma): Five people, including two children, lost their lives after a private sleeper coach met with a devastating accident on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district during the early hours of Wednesday. Eight other passengers sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital. The accident took place near Devkhari village under the Bangarmau police station limits at around 4:30 am. According to initial reports, the sleeper bus collided with a car while travelling on the expressway. The impact caused the bus to lose balance, plunge off the road and overturn. Emergency services, police personnel and local residents…

01 Jul

July Begins With Fresh Policy Updates: EPFO Platform Back Online, Aadhaar Relief and Revised Passport Charges Take Effect

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingEPFO, Passport

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Several government-backed services have undergone changes from July 1, with new provisions affecting provident fund subscribers, Aadhaar users, passport applicants and taxpayers now officially in force. The updates, announced by different ministries and agencies, are aimed at improving digital services and streamlining administrative processes. Among the major developments, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has restored all its online facilities after completing a scheduled technology overhaul. The organisation had temporarily suspended digital services for several days to carry out database migration and system integration. Officials said the upgraded platform is expected to provide faster processing, better…

01 Jul

Overnight Bus Blaze on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Leaves Seven Dead, Scores Injured

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsHaryana, TrendingDelhi, Mumbai

Dausa (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Dausa district left seven passengers dead and at least 22 others injured after a sleeper coach rammed into a trailer and was engulfed in flames during the early hours of Wednesday. The private bus was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore when the collision occurred at around 2:30 a.m. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle crashed into a trailer moving ahead on the expressway, following which a massive fire broke out, quickly spreading to both vehicles. The impact threw several passengers from their berths, while others found themselves trapped…

01 Jul

Centre Notifies Revised Wage Rates Under VB–G RAM G Act as New Rural Employment Law Takes Effect

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingVB–G RAM G

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Central Government has notified revised wage rates under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025, with the new rates coming into force from July 1, 2026, the day the legislation becomes operational across the country. The notification raises wages for rural workers in all States and Union Territories covered under the programme, with the government introducing a minimum notified wage of ₹300 per day for the first time under a national rural employment scheme. According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the revised wage structure applies to 34…

01 Jul

Alberta to Detail Proposed 1-Million-Barrel-Per-Day West Coast Pipeline on July 2

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Canada

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Alberta is preparing to reveal new details of its proposed one-million-barrel-per-day oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast, a project Premier Danielle Smith describes as a key step toward strengthening Canada’s energy security, expanding export capacity, and reducing the country’s dependence on the U.S. market. The province is expected to formally present the proposal on July 2, after postponing the announcement from Canada Day. Alberta will submit the project to the federal Major Projects Office, outlining the proposed route, anticipated economic benefits, environmental considerations, and plans for Indigenous participation and ownership. If approved, the…