Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

24 Jun

Diljit Dosanjh Faces Outrage Over Casting Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, B Praak’s Cryptic Jibe Fuels Backlash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsEntertainment, TrendingB Praak, Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, Pakistan artist ban, Sardaar Ji 3

Chandigarh, June 24, 2025 — Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has landed in a heated controversy ahead of the international release of his film Sardaar Ji 3, after casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a key role. The backlash stems from rising anti-Pakistan sentiment in India following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which prompted a strict industry-wide ban on Pakistani artists by Indian film federations. Although Sardaar Ji 3 was reportedly completed before the attack, Diljit’s announcement that the film would not release in India has done little to calm the storm. Social media erupted with calls of “shame” and…

24 Jun

Syringe Attacks During France’s Music Festival Leave 145 Jabbed, Trigger National Alarm

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsFête de la Musique jab incidents, needle spiking, syringe attacks France 2025

Paris, June 24, 2025 — France’s annual Fête de la Musique, a vibrant celebration of street music held nationwide on June 21, was marred by a chilling wave of syringe attacks. Authorities confirmed that at least 145 people, mostly teenage girls, were pricked with unknown substances via syringes during festivities across cities including Paris, Metz, Tours, Évreux, Rouen, and Angoulême.The alarming incidents prompted police action and widespread concern over public safety. The Paris police reported 13 cases, while Metz Mayor François Grosdidier revealed that 17 women had been affected in his city alone. Twelve suspects have been arrested so far…

24 Jun

Global Markets Surge as Trump Announces Tentative Israel-Iran Ceasefire

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsglobal market rally, Israel-Iran conflict, Trump ceasefire announcement

New Delhi, June 24, 2025 — World stock markets rallied sharply on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he described as a “tentative ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, a move that brought temporary relief to investors after weeks of heightened geopolitical tensions.The announcement, though met with cautious optimism due to its uncertain durability, had an immediate and strong impact across global financial markets. Major indices in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. posted notable gains, with energy prices also falling significantly.Crude oil prices, which had been volatile amid fears of disruption in the Gulf region, dropped sharply. Brent crude…

24 Jun

OSCAA Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2025, A Festival Honouring All Cultures, Faiths, and Universal Brotherhood

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Jagannath Puri, OSCAA

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Odia Social & Cultural Association of Alberta (OSCAA) cordially invites everyone to the Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2025, a vibrant and inclusive Festival of Chariots celebrating cultural unity, spirituality, and community togetherness. Mukesh from OSCAA stated that the event will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 292090 Wagon Wheel Blvd, Calgary.This annual event, inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Lord Jagannath’s chariot festival in Puri, Odisha (India), has evolved into a multicultural celebration that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The Calgary edition will feature a grand…

24 Jun

Advance PF Withdrawal of up to ₹5 Lakh Now Allowed via Auto-Settlement Mode

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaEPF digital claims, EPFO auto settlement, PF withdrawal ₹5 lakh

New Delhi, June 24, 2025 — In a major relief to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has permitted advance withdrawals of up to ₹5 lakh from PF accounts through an automatic settlement system. The auto-mode settlement aims to speed up processing for account holders in urgent need of funds, especially in cases like illness, education, or house construction, where advance withdrawals are permitted under existing rules. As per the latest update, the auto-settlement feature will allow advance claims up to ₹5 lakh to be processed digitally without requiring manual intervention. This means eligible claimants…

24 Jun

Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Search in India via Labs for Smarter, Multimodal Queries

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaGemini 2.5, Google AI Search India, Multimodal Search, Search Labs

New Delhi, June 24, 2025 — Google has launched a powerful AI mode in India through its experimental platform Search Labs, offering users the ability to explore more complex questions, use multimodal inputs, and receive deeper, context-rich responses.The new feature, powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, is currently available in English. It allows users to go beyond simple queries by submitting longer and more nuanced questions, with responses enriched by follow-up suggestions and helpful web links.“Using a custom version of Gemini 2.5 lets you ask longer, more complex or nuanced questions that would have previously required multiple searches,”…

24 Jun

Donald Trump Declares Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran, Despite Conflicting Reports from Tehran

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, Iran, Israel, US

Washington, D.C. (National Times): US President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire is now in effect between Israel and Iran, marking what he calls a “historic breakthrough” in one of the most volatile flashpoints of the Middle East. The statement, issued through his official Truth Social account, comes amid ongoing tensions and mixed signals from the region. “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it…,” Trump posted on Tuesday, urging restraint following what he described as a decisive military maneuver by the U.S. In a separate post, Trump credited the U.S. military’s strategic role in facilitating…

24 Jun

Canada and European Union Sign Landmark Security and Defence Partnership

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, European Union

Ottawa/Brussels (Rajeev Sharma): In a major development aimed at bolstering global security and economic cooperation, Canada and the European Union on Tuesday signed a comprehensive Security and Defence Partnership, marking the beginning of a new era in transatlantic collaboration. The agreement, signed at a high-level summit in Ottawa, is designed to reinforce supply chains, strengthen defence industries, and enhance coordination on emerging global threats — including cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and technological disruptions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the agreement as a historic milestone in Canada-EU relations. “Canada and the European Union have just launched a new era of partnership…

24 Jun

Donald Trump Announces Iran-Israel Ceasefire, But Tehran Denies Agreement

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCeasefire, Donald Trump, Iran, Israel

Washington/Tehran/Jerusalem (National Times): In a dramatic turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that a full ceasefire agreement had been reached between Iran and Israel to end the ongoing 12-day war that has shaken the Middle East. However, Iran’s top officials swiftly denied any such agreement, casting doubt on Trump’s declaration. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now)... A war that could have gone on for…

24 Jun

India Extends Airspace Ban on Pakistan Airlines Till July 24

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, Pakistan

New Delhi (National Times): In a continuing escalation of tensions between the two countries, India on Monday extended its airspace ban for Pakistan-operated aircraft until July 24, 2025. The decision comes nearly two months after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, prompting a series of retaliatory measures from New Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) today, extending the airspace restrictions that have been in place since April 30. As per the NOTAM, the ban applies to all Pakistan-registered aircraft and any planes operated, owned, or leased by…