Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

09 Jul

Nijjar Case Takes New Turn: Bishnoi Gang Angle Enters Spotlight

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The investigation into the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, has taken a new turn after U.S. authorities announced charges involving jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, in connection with alleged criminal activities linked to the case. The development has renewed debate around the circumstances of Nijjar’s assassination, which had triggered a major diplomatic dispute between Canada and India after allegations were raised in 2023 about a possible connection to Indian government agents claims India has strongly denied. The latest focus on the Bishnoi gang has shifted…

09 Jul

France Sweat Over Olise Suspension Risk as FIFA Rejects Appeal Before Morocco Showdown

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA, France

France (Rajeev Sharma): France's preparations for their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco have received an unexpected jolt after FIFA upheld Michael Olise's yellow card from the Round of 16, leaving the winger at risk of missing the next match if booked again. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the team's attempt to overturn the caution was unsuccessful. The decision means Olise will be available to face Morocco but will head into the high-stakes clash carrying the threat of suspension. The booking came during France's victory over Paraguay after Olise became involved in a late confrontation with Paraguayan midfielder…

09 Jul

Indian Engineer Charged With Wife’s Murder in US; Investigation Points to Alleged Affair and False Story

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsUS

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): An Indian-origin software engineer has been charged with the murder of his wife in the United States after investigators spent months piecing together evidence that allegedly contradicted his initial account of her death. The arrest comes nearly nine months after the woman was found dead inside the couple’s apartment in Washington state. Authorities identified the accused as 30-year-old Avinash Narne, while the victim was his 27-year-old wife, Raajitha Sabbineni. Police said the incident took place on October 27, 2025, when Narne contacted emergency services, claiming his wife had locked herself inside the bathroom and was not responding.…

09 Jul

Meta Announces $13-Billion Alberta Data Centre, Marking Largest Tech Investment in Canadian History

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has secured one of the biggest private-sector investments in Canada's history after technology giant Meta announced plans to establish its first Canadian data centre in the province. Valued at more than $13 billion, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs, strengthen Alberta's position in the artificial intelligence sector, and generate substantial long-term revenue for the provincial government. The proposed facility will be built in Sturgeon County and is projected to create over 3,000 construction jobs during development, along with around 300 permanent operational positions once the campus becomes functional. Provincial estimates suggest the project…

09 Jul

US Steps Up Pressure on Iran with New Strikes; Donald Trump Warns of Stronger Response if Maritime Attacks Continue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has intensified its military campaign against Iran, carrying out another wave of strikes on strategic sites in the country's south after accusing Tehran of endangering commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest operation targeted military infrastructure believed to support Iran's ability to threaten international maritime routes. Officials described the mission as a response to recent attacks on civilian vessels transiting one of the world's busiest energy corridors. Iranian media reported loud explosions in several southern locations, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, and parts of the…

09 Jul

Delhi on High Alert as Heavy Showers Lash City; Government Says Waterlogging Largely Under Control

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingDelhi

Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Heavy rainfall across the national capital prompted the Delhi government to place all civic and infrastructure agencies on high alert, with officials claiming that the situation on major roads remains under control despite persistent showers. According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed the rain-related situation with senior officials and instructed departments to respond swiftly to any instances of water accumulation or traffic disruption. The government said emergency teams from the Delhi Jal Board, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been…

09 Jul

US Reassures Indian Professionals, Says Immigration Rules Are Uniform and Not Country-Focused

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsUS

Washington, DC (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has sought to allay concerns among Indian professionals regarding tightening immigration procedures, stating that its visa framework is based on uniform enforcement rather than policies directed at any specific nation. Addressing questions on the issue, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration's objective is to ensure that immigration regulations are implemented consistently for applicants worldwide. He stressed that India is not being singled out under the current visa regime. Pigott explained that the government has moved away from what it considers uneven enforcement practices of the past and is now applying…

09 Jul

Monsoon Remains Aggressive in Himachal Pradesh; IMD Forecasts More Rain, Authorities Warn of Travel Disruptions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal Pradesh

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is expected to witness another spell of widespread rainfall over the coming days as the southwest monsoon continues to remain active across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised people to remain cautious, warning that persistent showers may trigger landslides, flash floods, and traffic disruptions in vulnerable regions. According to the latest forecast, moderate to heavy rain is likely in several districts through July 12, particularly in the mid and lower hill regions. Officials said the weather system could intensify at isolated locations, increasing the possibility of slope failures and overflowing seasonal streams.…

09 Jul

US Indictment Puts Lawrence Bishnoi Network Under Global Spotlight, Links Him To Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s Killing

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsLawrence Bishnoi

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has expanded its crackdown on transnational organised crime by unsealing fresh federal charges against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and several of his close associates, alleging that the criminal network operated across multiple countries and was linked to murder, drug trafficking, extortion and other serious offences. The indictment, released as part of the multi-agency Operation Hard Ball, accuses Bishnoi of directing an international criminal syndicate despite being lodged in an Indian prison. US prosecutors allege that his associates coordinated activities across North America and Europe, carrying out violent crimes, narcotics trafficking and targeted attacks under…

09 Jul

Donald Trump Says India-Pakistan Conflict Was Close to Nuclear Escalation, Questions Iran’s Intentions Despite Calls for Deal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has claimed that the recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan had reached a dangerous stage and suggested that it could have escalated into a nuclear conflict. Speaking to reporters, Trump asserted that diplomatic intervention helped prevent a much larger catastrophe. According to Trump, the hostilities between the two South Asian neighbours had intensified significantly, with multiple aircraft reportedly being brought down during the conflict. He said the situation had become so serious that millions of lives were potentially at risk if tensions had continued to spiral. Referring to his conversations with Pakistan’s…