Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

03 Jul

Iran Enters National Mourning as Funeral Ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei Begin; Senior IRGC Leaders Join Final Tributes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsAyatollah Khamenei

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has formally begun the state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands gathering in Tehran to pay their final respects to the country's former Supreme Leader. The multi-day programme marks the start of an extensive national mourning period, with ceremonies expected to continue across several cities before concluding later this week. As preparations intensified, senior figures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were seen attending official events linked to the funeral. Among them was General Ahmad Vahidi, whose appearance alongside other top officials drew attention as Iran's political and military leadership united to honour…

03 Jul

Amarnath Yatra Begins with Heavy Security Cover; Devotees Start Trek from Twin Base Camps

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingAmarnath Yatra

Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): The annual Amarnath Yatra formally began on Friday as the first groups of devotees set out for the holy cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas of south Kashmir. Pilgrims started their ascent from the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps under heightened security and comprehensive logistical arrangements put in place by the administration. Despite intermittent rainfall in several parts of the Valley, devotees began their journey before sunrise, chanting religious hymns as they embarked on the sacred trek. The annual pilgrimage, which attracts lakhs of worshippers from across the country, will continue for 57 days and conclude…

03 Jul

Donald Trump Again Credits Tariff Threat for India-Pakistan De-escalation; India Maintains Ceasefire Was Bilateral

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, India Pakistan War

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that his tariff policy played a decisive role in preventing a larger military confrontation between India and Pakistan, claiming economic pressure helped defuse tensions between the two neighbouring nations. Speaking during an interview with CNBC, Trump described tariffs as a powerful diplomatic tool and said they had enabled him to prevent several international conflicts. Referring to India and Pakistan, he alleged that both countries backed away from further escalation after being warned of harsh trade measures. According to Trump, he had informed both governments that continuing hostilities would result…

02 Jul

Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, NHAI Opens Key Viaduct and Tunnel to Boost Safer Highway Connectivity in J&K

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsAmarnath Yatra

Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant infrastructure boost ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed major engineering works on the Udhampur–Kathua–Doda stretch, enhancing safer and more reliable road connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. Officials confirmed that a 810-metre-long viaduct at Ramsoo and a 3.5-kilometre tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal in Ramban district have been completed and will be opened for traffic from July 3, 2026. These newly built structures are designed to bypass vulnerable and landslide-prone sections of the Ramban–Banihal corridor, one of the most challenging stretches on the Jammu–Srinagar…

02 Jul

Delhi Police Crack Alleged Cross-Border Terror Plot, Four Suspects Held in Coordinated Raids

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingDelhi

Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a major security operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has detained four individuals accused of plotting a terror attack in the national capital with alleged instructions originating from a Pakistan-based handler, officials said. The arrested persons have been identified as Shubdeep Singh (23), Gurjant Singh (22), Sajan Singh (28), and Gaganpreet (24). While three of them hail from Punjab, one was picked up from Delhi during coordinated raids carried out by the Special Cell. Police officials said the group was allegedly in regular contact with a foreign-based handler believed to be associated with Pakistan’s intelligence network.…

02 Jul

Amarnath Yatra Begins With First Pilgrim Convoy Leaving Jammu Under Enhanced Security

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingAmarnath Yatra

Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): The annual Amarnath Yatra got underway on Thursday as the first group of registered pilgrims departed from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the Kashmir Valley. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy after offering prayers, marking the formal beginning of one of India's largest religious pilgrimages. The devotees are travelling to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal, from where the trek to the revered Amarnath cave shrine will commence on July 3. The pilgrimage is scheduled to continue for 57 days before concluding on August 28. Prior to the flag-off ceremony, Sinha performed…

02 Jul

One Dead, Three Injured After SUV Hits Bridge Construction Site Near Atal Tunnel

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingAtal Tunnel

Manali (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night road accident near the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh claimed the life of a Rajasthan tourist and left three others injured after their sport utility vehicle crashed into an under-construction bridge structure, police said on Thursday. The accident occurred near the tunnel's north portal when the Scorpio carrying four passengers was travelling from Manali towards the Lahaul region. The force of the collision drove the vehicle into exposed steel reinforcement bars at the construction site, leaving it extensively damaged and trapping the occupants inside. Police identified the deceased as Kailash, 34, a resident of Rajasthan's…

02 Jul

Doha Talks End Without Major Breakthrough as US and Iran Continue Diplomatic Engagement

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDoha

Doha (Rajeev Sharma): The latest round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Doha, Qatar, with both sides agreeing to continue diplomatic contacts despite making no major announcements on unresolved issues. The discussions centred on implementing elements of a temporary agreement reached earlier, with particular attention given to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the release of Iranian financial assets held overseas. According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the two-day meeting focused largely on technical matters rather than politically sensitive topics. Representatives from Washington and Tehran held separate consultations through Qatari and Pakistani…

02 Jul

Facing Domestic Fuel Crunch, Russia Sources Petrol from India Amid Refinery Disruptions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, Trending, World NewsIndia, Russia

Moscow (Rajeev Sharma): Russia has begun importing petrol from India as the country works to overcome fuel shortages caused by repeated attacks on its energy infrastructure, signalling an unusual shift for one of the world’s leading oil producers. According to industry sources, the first consignments of Indian gasoline have already been dispatched to Russia by sea. Initial deliveries are estimated to total around 60,000 metric tonnes, with additional shipments expected as Moscow attempts to stabilise fuel supplies across the country. The shortages have emerged after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes damaged several Russian oil refineries, affecting domestic fuel production.…

01 Jul

Premier Danielle Smith Celebrates Alberta’s Contributions in Canada Day Address

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlbertaAlberta Premier, Canada Day, Danielle Smith, National values

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued an official statement marking Canada Day, calling on citizens to reflect on the core foundational values that unite the country, specifically highlighting freedom, democracy, and mutual respect. In her address, she noted that Canada remains globally recognized as a land of opportunity, a status forged by generations of resilient families whose hard work established strong, stable communities nationwide. The Premier emphasized the pivotal role that Albertans have played in shaping national success since Confederation. She pointed to the province's ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong work ethic as key drivers that have consistently…