Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

22 Apr

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Election Commission Is Compromised, BJP Slams Him as ‘Traitor’

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBJP, Election Commission, India elections 2025, Rahul Gandhi

Boston/New Delhi, April 22, 2025 – During an address to the Indian diaspora in Boston, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission of India was “compromised,” citing suspicious additions of 6.5 million votes during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. He claimed the system was no longer neutral and raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.Rahul Gandhi argued that such irregularities pointed to institutional capture by those in power, warning that democracy in India was under threat. He reiterated the need for systemic reforms to ensure a fair political environment and…

22 Apr

Rupinder Handa Walks Off Stage in Edmonton After Mic Throw Amid Payment Dispute

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaEdmonton concert, Payment dispute, Punjabi singer, Rupinder Handa

Edmonton, April 22, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events during a live concert in Edmonton, popular Punjabi singer Rupinder Handa walked off stage after throwing her microphone, reportedly due to a payment dispute with the event organizers. The unexpected incident, which occurred mid-performance, was caught on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion among fans and industry observers.The disruption left attendees shocked, with many unsure of what had led to the abrupt exit. According to sources close to the event, Handa was allegedly frustrated over unresolved payment issues, which led to the on-stage outburst. However,…

21 Apr

Liberals Lead by 7 Points as Canada Heads into Final Week of Federal Election Campaign

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Election 2025, Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre

National Times Bureau, April 21, 2025: With just seven days left before Canada’s federal election, a new Nanos Research poll places the Liberal Party in the lead with 44% national support—seven points ahead of the Conservatives, who stand at 37%. The New Democratic Party (NDP) trails with 11% support, while the Bloc Québécois and the Green Party are at 5% and 2% respectively. This boost for the Liberals comes amid a wave of early voting, with over 2 million Canadians casting their ballots on the first day of advance polls—up by more than 800,000 compared to the same period in…

21 Apr

RBI allows minors above 10 to operate bank accounts independently

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiafinancial literacy, minors banking, RBI

Mumbai, April 21, 2025 — In a significant move aimed at encouraging financial literacy among the youth, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines allowing minors above the age of 10 to operate their bank accounts independently.The circular, released on Monday, directs all commercial banks to enable children in this age group to manage their accounts without the need for parental or guardian signatures. This policy aims to promote early financial discipline and equip children with the tools to understand banking and money management from a young age.Under the revised guidelines, banks are instructed to put in…

21 Apr

Modi, Vance Hold Talks to Deepen Strategic, Trade Ties Amid Tariff Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia-US relations, JD Vance, Narendra Modi

New Delhi, April 21, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Monday in New Delhi during the latter’s four-day visit to India, discussing major steps to bolster strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries.At the heart of the conversation was a long-awaited bilateral trade deal, with both leaders expressing optimism about concluding an agreement by the end of 2025. India has proposed lowering tariffs on over half of its $41.8 billion in U.S. imports from last year to avert new American duties. The plan aims to double trade volumes to $500 billion by…

21 Apr

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 After Prolonged Illness

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsPope Francis

Vatican City (National Times): Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88, following a prolonged illness. The news was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, in an official statement. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," Cardinal Farrell announced solemnly. Just days before his passing, Pope Francis had made a public appearance at St. Peter’s Square, where he greeted thousands and wished…

21 Apr

Vancouver Gurdwara Vandalised with Khalistan Slogans; Sikh Leaders Urge Unity

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessKhalistan, Vancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A wave of concern has rippled through Vancouver’s Sikh community after the Ross Street Gurdwara was vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti. The act has prompted widespread condemnation from local religious leaders and sparked a police investigation. Vancouver Police confirmed the incident and said they are working to identify the individuals responsible, though no suspects have been arrested as of yet. The Khalsa Diwan Society, the organization managing the gurdwara, pointed fingers at a small group of Sikh separatists for the act. In a strongly worded statement, the society accused these individuals of trying to divide the community and…

21 Apr

Alberta Sikh Games Conclude with Great Success, Showcasing Sport and Culture

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The inaugural Alberta Sikh Games concluded successfully on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Calgary’s Genesis Centre. In a statement to National Times, Gurjeet Singh, Chairman of the Dashmesh Culture Centre, described the event as a remarkable celebration of athleticism, unity, and cultural pride. Spanning three action-packed days, the Games attracted over 800 participants from across Alberta and beyond. Organized by the Dashmesh Culture Centre, this milestone event reflected the growing vibrancy and influence of the Sikh community in the province. The event featured a wide range of sports, including basketball, soccer, field hockey, and badminton, offering athletes…

21 Apr

Temple in Surrey Vandalized With Pro-Khalistan Graffiti, Sparks Outrage Across Communities

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaKhalistan graffiti, Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey temple vandalism

National Times Bureau, April 21, 2025: In the early hours of April 19, 2025, a disturbing act of vandalism shook the community in Surrey, British Columbia. Around 3:00 AM, two unidentified individuals defaced the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir by spray-painting the word “Khalistan” on its entrance sign and temple pillars. The perpetrators also stole a security camera from the premises, adding to concerns about targeted attacks against places of worship.This marks the third such attack on the temple, raising serious alarms among Hindu community members. The temple management expressed deep sorrow and strongly condemned the act, calling it a hate…

21 Apr

USA Edges Canada 4–3 in Overtime to Win 2025 Women’s World Hockey Championship

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, SportsUSA vs Canada, Women’s World Hockey Championship 2025

České Budějovice, Czechia, April 20, 2025 — In a dramatic finish at the 2025 Women’s World Hockey Championship final, Team USA clinched a 4–3 overtime victory against defending champions Canada, reclaiming the gold medal and ending Canada’s recent winning streak.The game saw relentless back-and-forth action, with both teams trading goals and refusing to yield. The deadlock broke in overtime when Tessa Janecke netted the game-winner, capitalizing on a misstep during a Canadian line change after a precise feed from Taylor Heise. The win marks USA’s 11th world title, and their first since 2023.With this victory, the U.S. ties the all-time…