Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

14 Mar

Putin Thanks Trump, Modi for Efforts to End Ukraine Conflict; Backs Ceasefire with Conditions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDonald Trump, Narendra Modi, Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, Vladimir Putin

Moscow, March 14, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Putin made the remarks on Thursday while confirming Russia’s willingness to discuss a ceasefire, but with certain conditions."We agree with the proposals to stop hostilities," Putin said. "But our position is that this ceasefire should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the initial causes of this crisis."Putin acknowledged the diplomatic efforts by leaders of China, Brazil, and South Africa, calling their involvement a "noble mission" to stop hostilities…

14 Mar

Woman Killed, Four Injured as Law Student’s Speeding Car Crashes Into Two-Wheelers in Vadodara

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiacar crash, drunk driving, Vadodara accident

Vadodara, March 14, 2025 – A woman was killed and four others were injured when a speeding car driven by a 20-year-old law student crashed into their two-wheelers in Vadodara early Friday morning. Police suspect it may be a case of drunk driving. The accident occurred around 12:30 AM near Muktanand Circle in the Karelibaug area, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Panna Momaya. The driver, identified as Rakshit Chaurasiya, was arrested at the scene after being caught by bystanders. The deceased woman, identified as Hemali Patel, was riding her scooter when Chaurasiya’s car struck her and other two-wheelers at…

14 Mar

Mild Earthquake of Magnitude 3.6 Hits Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBandipora, Earthquake, Jammu and Kashmir, Richter scale

Bandipora, March 14, 2025 – A mild earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale struck Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday afternoon, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported.The earthquake occurred at 3:24 PM IST at a depth of 10 kilometers. Its coordinates were recorded at latitude 34.62° N and longitude 74.86° E, according to an NCS post on X.No reports of damage or injuries have been received so far.

14 Mar

Leaders Across Political Spectrum Extend Warm Wishes to Citizens on Holi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaHoli 2025, Holi wishes, PM Modi Holi message, President Murmu Holi greeting, Rahul Gandhi

Several prominent leaders from different political parties and government offices have extended their heartfelt wishes to the citizens of India on the occasion of Holi, emphasizing the festival’s message of unity, joy, and cultural richness.PM Modi Highlights Unity and EnergyPrime Minister Narendra Modi shared his greetings with the nation, stating, "I wish you all a very Happy Holi. This festival filled with joy and happiness will infuse new enthusiasm and energy in everyone's life and will also deepen the colours of unity among the countrymen." His message underlined the importance of harmony and collective spirit during the festival.President Murmu's Message…

13 Mar

Seventeen Naxalites, Including High-Ranking Leaders, Surrender in Chhattisgarh

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBijapur, Chhattisgarh, CRPF, Maoist, Naxalites surrender

Bijapur, March 13, 2025 – Seventeen Naxalites, including nine with a combined bounty of Rs 24 lakh, surrendered in Bijapur district on Thursday, citing disappointment with Maoist ideology and growing pressure from security forces.The cadres, including a couple, laid down arms before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials. According to Bijapur Senior Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav, they were disillusioned by the "hollow and inhuman" Maoist ideology and the exploitation of tribals by senior cadres. They were also influenced by the ‘Niya Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) scheme, which has been improving infrastructure and basic amenities in…

13 Mar

Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on European Wine and Spirits Over EU Whisky Tariff

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsEU tariffs, European wine, trade war, Trump, US-EU relations, whisky

Washington, March 13, 2025 – US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the United States would impose a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits if the European Union proceeds with its planned tariff on American whisky, set to take effect on April 1.In a social media post, Trump accused the EU of unfair trade practices. "The EU is one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States," he wrote.Trump made it clear that if the whisky tariff isn’t…

13 Mar

Putin Backs US Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine but Seeks to Address Conflict’s Root Causes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsPutin, Russia-Ukraine war, Trump, Ukraine ceasefire, US proposal

Moscow, March 13, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia supports the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stressed that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict to ensure lasting peace."We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," Putin told reporters at a Kremlin press conference. However, he emphasized that the ceasefire must create a foundation for long-term stability. "This cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis," he said, as reported by Reuters. Background and Current Situation The war between Russia and Ukraine began…

13 Mar

President Approves FIR Against Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in ₹1,300 Crore Delhi Classroom Scam

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia300 crore scam, AAP, Delhi classroom scam, Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, ₹1

New Delhi, March 13, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu has approved the registration of an FIR against senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain over an alleged ₹1,300 crore scam linked to the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools, sources said.The case stems from a 2022 report by the Delhi government's vigilance directorate, which recommended a probe into suspected irregularities. The report was submitted to the Chief Secretary after initial investigations pointed to large-scale financial mismanagement. Central Vigilance Commission’s Findings The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) flagged the issue in a report dated February 17, 2020. It highlighted "glaring…

13 Mar

Two men are facing charges after allegedly stealing around $200,000 from a Calgary cricket league

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary Cricket League, Fraud

Calgary, March 13, 2025 ( Rajeev Sharma): According to the Calgary Police Services ( CPS), they began investigating in 2017 when the newly appointed president of the Calgary & District Cricket League (C&DCL) noticed issues with the league’s financial records. After finding a number of discrepancies during an internal review, the league’s president called reported the concerns to police. Police say their investigation found the former treasurer and former president of the C&DCL stole around $200,000 between January 2014 and December 2016 through cheque payments to construction businesses the pair had connections. Police said that funds were allegedly misappropriated through…

12 Mar

The Bank of Canada (BoC) lowered its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaBank Of Canada, Interest rates, Lowered

Calgary, March 12, 2025( Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian economy ended 2024 in good shape. Inflation has been close to the 2% target since last summer. Substantial cuts to our policy rate through the second half of last year boosted household spending and economic growth. However, in recent months, the pervasive uncertainty created by continuously changing US tariff threats has shaken business and consumer confidence. This is restraining household spending intentions and businesses’ plans to hire and invest. Against this backdrop, and with inflation near the 2% target, Governing Council decided to reduce the policy rate a further 25 basis points.…