Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

24 Feb

Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Hopes Dim for Eight Trapped Workers as Rescue Efforts Continue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Telangana (National Times): The rescue mission to save eight trapped workers inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana enters its third day, with authorities fearing that the chances of survival are extremely low. Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Monday acknowledged the grim situation, stating that despite ongoing efforts, the possibility of bringing out the trapped individuals alive is very remote. “To be frank, their survival is highly unlikely. I was personally at the site, just 50 meters from the collapse, and we could see that mud has filled nearly the entire tunnel. Even after shouting…

24 Feb

Finance Ministry Clarifies USAID Funds Used for Development, Not Politics

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingUSAID Funds

New Delhi (National Times): A recent report from the Finance Ministry of India has dismissed allegations that USAID funds were used for political activities, confirming that the $750 million assistance from the US was allocated only for government-led development projects in 2023-24. The report, released under the leadership of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, details that USAID is currently implementing seven projects in partnership with the Indian government, focusing on agriculture, food security, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, water sanitation (WASH), disaster management, and healthcare. "As per the Finance Ministry’s annual report, USAID funds have been strictly utilized for projects aligned with…

24 Feb

Supreme Court Rejects Bail for Repeat Juvenile Offender, Orders Swift Trial

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingSupreme Court

New Delhi (National Times): In a firm stance against juvenile delinquency, the Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to a minor implicated in four identical criminal cases, citing his habitual criminal behavior as a serious concern. The bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan remarked that the accused had become a repeat offender and could not exploit his age to escape legal consequences. "He is incorrigible! Just incorrigible," the Court observed, highlighting the gravity of the charges. The Court also criticized the misuse of juvenile laws, stating, "In the name of being a juvenile, he cannot continue looting…

24 Feb

Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Ukraine as War Marks Three Years

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld News3 years of war, Drone Attack, Russia- Ukraine War

Kyiv, February 24, 2025 – On the eve of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine faced its largest drone attack yet, with Moscow launching a record 267 strike drones overnight, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Massive Assault with Drones and Missiles Zelenskyy described the unprecedented attack as “the largest since Iranian drones began hitting Ukrainian cities and villages.”Ukraine’s air force reported that 138 drones were intercepted across 13 regions.Another 119 drones disappeared en route to their targets, raising concerns about jamming tactics or new Russian strategies.Three ballistic missiles were also fired, with one fatality reported in Kryvyi…

24 Feb

White House Backs Israel’s Decision to Delay Prisoner Release Amid Gaza Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIsrael-Gaza Caesfire, Prisoner Release, USA

Washington, D.C., February 24, 2025 – The White House has supported Israel's decision to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing the "barbaric treatment" of Israeli captives by Hamas, according to a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes. US Stands with Israel Amid Ceasefire Dispute Hughes stated that delaying the release of prisoners was an "appropriate response" to Hamas’s actions. He reaffirmed US President Donald Trump’s support for Israel, saying the administration was prepared to back "whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas."The delay has caused tensions to rise, with Hamas announcing it would halt negotiations…

24 Feb

Sunil Jakhar Highlights Broken Seats on IndiGo Flight, Raises Safety Concerns

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBroken Seat, IndiGo Airlines, Sunil Jakhar

New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has raised concerns over broken seats on a Chandigarh-Delhi IndiGo flight, sharing photos of the issue on social media. His complaint comes a day after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged a similar problem on an Air India flight from Bhopal to Delhi.Jakhar posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that while the IndiGo cabin crew was polite, they were unable to address the issue and advised him to lodge a complaint through the airline’s website. Jakhar Criticizes Airlines’ Approach to Safety "It seems broken seats, as pointed out…

23 Feb

Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Minister Hints at Slim Survival Chances for Trapped Workers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia8 workers trapped, Srisailam Left Bank Canal, Telangana Tunnel Collapse

Nagarkurnool, February 23, 2025 – Hopes are fading for the eight workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project, as Telangana minister J Krishna Rao admitted that chances of survival "are not that good." Rescue Operations Face Major Hurdles The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other agencies have been working tirelessly to reach the trapped workers, but no breakthrough was achieved on Sunday. Thick muck, tangled iron rods, and cement blocks have made navigation nearly impossible inside the collapsed portion of the tunnel.Minister Rao, who personally went inside the tunnel, described…

23 Feb

Virat Kohli Breaks Azharuddin’s Record for Most Catches in ODIs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsChampions Trophy 2025, Most Catches, Virat Kohli

Dubai, February 23, 2025 – Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has etched his name in history yet again, becoming the Indian fielder with the most catches in ODI cricket. He surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin’s tally of 156 during India's Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan in Dubai. Kohli’s Record-Breaking Moment The historic milestone came in the 47th over when Kohli took a sharp low catch to dismiss Naseem Shah off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling. That catch marked his 157th in ODIs, moving him past Azharuddin. He wasn’t done yet—just a few overs later, he took another clean catch at deep mid-wicket off Harshit…

23 Feb

Israel Halts Palestinian Prisoner Release Over Hamas Ceremonies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCaesfire, Gaza, Hamas, Israel

February 23, 2025 – Israel has delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over Hamas' "humiliating ceremonies" during hostage handovers. The move raises doubts about the future of the Gaza ceasefire. Hostage Exchange Sparks Controversy The decision came after six Israeli hostages were freed on Saturday. However, five were handed over in public, staged ceremonies featuring masked Hamas fighters, a move condemned by Israel and the United Nations as cruel and exploitative.Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the prisoner release would not proceed until "the release of the next hostages has been assured" and Hamas stops using captives…

23 Feb

India Triumphs Over Pakistan in Champions Trophy Clash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsCentury, Champions Trophy 2025, India vs Pakistan, India Wins Big, Virat Kohli

Dubai, February 23, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy, India secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan, chasing down a target of 242 with remarkable composure. Kohli's Masterclass Seals the Win Virat Kohli was the star of the show, delivering an unbeaten century that anchored India's innings. His performance not only guided the chase but also showcased his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches. With precision and confidence, he dismantled Pakistan's bowling attack, ensuring India reached the target comfortably. Pakistan Struggles Against India's Bowling Attack Earlier in the match, Pakistan, opting to bat first…