Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 May

MP High Court Orders FIR Against BJP Minister Over Remarks Against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBJP, Sofiya Qureshi

Bhopal (National Times): In a significant legal development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the registration of an FIR against BJP leader and State Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his controversial and communal remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a key officer involved in Operation Sindoor. Taking suo motu cognizance, the Division Bench of the High Court issued the directive after video clips of Shah’s speech at a public gathering in Ramkunda village went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage. In his speech, Shah allegedly made derogatory and inflammatory remarks questioning Col. Qureshi’s background and loyalty. Communal Undertones…

14 May

Chinese State Media Outlet ‘Global Times’ Withheld in India Amid Rising Tensions Over Misinformation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaChina, India

New Delhi (National Time): In a notable move reflecting growing concerns over misinformation and propaganda, the official account of China’s state-run media outlet, Global Times, has been withheld in India. The action, observed on Wednesday, was carried out in response to a legal demand from Indian authorities. When users in India attempt to access the Global Times account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), a message now reads: “@globaltimesnews has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.” The development comes shortly after X disclosed on May 8 that it had received executive orders from the Indian…

14 May

“Arunachal Is, Was, and Will Be India”: Delhi Blasts China’s Latest Naming Game

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaArunachal Pradesh, China, India

New Delhi (National Times): In a firm and unequivocal message to Beijing, India has dismissed China’s latest attempt to rename several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a “senseless and futile exercise.” The Ministry of External Affairs declared on Wednesday that such actions will never alter the ground reality. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, said: "We categorically reject these attempts. Creative naming will not change the fact that Arunachal Pradesh is, and will always remain, an integral and inalienable part of India." The statement follows China’s issuance of a new list of “standardised” names for locations inside Arunachal Pradesh…

14 May

Three Sikh Canadian MPs Join Mark Carney’s New Cabinet

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, PunjabCanada, Mark Carney

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a powerful signal of Canada’s growing diversity and commitment to inclusive governance, Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed three Sikh Canadian Members of Parliament to key positions in his new cabinet. Maninder Sidhu has been named Minister of International Trade, a vital role amid shifting global trade dynamics. Ruby Sahota joined as Secretary of State for Combatting Crime, while Randeep Sarai was entrusted with International Development responsibilities. The appointments were announced Tuesday at Rideau Hall as Carney officially unveiled his 28-member cabinet and 12-member secretarial team. The Sikh community has widely welcomed the move as a…

14 May

Mark Carney’s New Cabinet Pledges Economic Focus Amid Rising US Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma)— Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his new cabinet at Rideau Hall on Tuesday, emphasizing that the new government’s “primary focus” will be the Canadian economy. The announcement comes on the heels of a dramatic election triggered by escalating US tariffs and mounting annexation threats from the United States. Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor, struck a firm tone at his first press conference post-swearing-in. “Canadians have given us a clear mandate: stabilize the economy, reduce the cost of living, and redefine our relationship with the United States,” he said. The newly formed cabinet includes 28 ministers…

13 May

Mark Carney Sworn in as Prime Minister, Unveils Leaner Cabinet Focused on Economic Reform

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada cabinet 2025, Canadian politics, Mark Carney, Rideau Hall

Ottawa – Mark Carney officially took office as Canada’s new Prime Minister on May 13, 2025, with his cabinet sworn in during a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall. Governor General Mary Simon administered the oaths of office, marking a new chapter in Canadian federal leadership following the Liberal Party’s electoral victory.Carney’s new cabinet features 29 ministers, a sharp reduction from the 39-member team under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The reshuffle reflects Carney’s push for efficiency and economic focus. “Canadians asked for change, and this government is going to deliver,” Carney stated after the ceremony.Key appointments include Anita Anand as…

13 May

India Rejects Trump’s Claim of Mediating Ceasefire with Pakistan Over Trade Concessions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDonald Trump, India-Pakistan ceasefire, Trade Concessions

New Delhi, May 13, 2025– India has categorically rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan by offering trade concessions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday clarified that while discussions between Indian and U.S. officials took place during a tense period in early May, trade was not discussed.Responding to Trump’s assertion that increased trade promises influenced both South Asian nations to agree to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The issue of trade did not come up in any of the discussions.” He emphasized that the only exchanges…

13 May

India Expels Pakistani Official Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions Post-Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia Expels Pakistani Official, Pakistan High Commission

New Delhi, May 13, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic move, India has expelled a Pakistani official stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, declaring him persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic status, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Tuesday.The official has been ordered to leave India within 24 hours. The expulsion is part of a broader series of retaliatory measures taken by India following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national.India has blamed the attack on…

13 May

Honda Canada Delays $15 Billion EV Investment in Ontario by Two Years Amid Market Slowdown

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaEV investment delay, Honda Canada, Ontario EV project

Toronto, May 13, 2025 — In a significant setback to Canada’s electric vehicle manufacturing ambitions, Honda Canada has announced a two-year postponement of its $15-billion EV investment project in Ontario, citing a slowdown in the global EV market.The project originally unveiled in April 2024 was to include a retooled vehicle assembly plant in Alliston, a new EV battery plant, and two battery component facilities across Ontario. It was projected to create 1,000 new jobs and retain 4,200 existing positions, with an output capacity of 240,000 vehicles annually by 2028.“This delay does not affect current employment at the Alliston plant,” said…

13 May

PM Modi at Adampur Airbase: “Pakistan’s Audacity Was Destroyed”

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAdampur Airbase, Bharat Mata ki Jai, Indian Air Force, PM Modi

Adampur, May 13 — In a powerful and emotionally charged address at the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Pakistan’s audacity—not just its terror camps—had been destroyed, praising the Indian Air Force’s decisive action and resilience amid recent hostilities.“Bharat Mata ki Jai is not just a slogan; it is a sacred oath. It echoes in the skies when our missiles and drones strike,” Modi told the air warriors, asserting the strength and determination of India’s armed forces.Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister stated that India hit back with unmatched force, dismantling terror infrastructure…