Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

16 Apr

Supreme Court Questions Centre on Allowing Muslims in Hindu Trusts Amid Waqf Act Row

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaSupreme Court, Waqf Act Amendment 2025

New Delhi, April 16, 2025: As the Supreme Court began hearing multiple petitions against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, it posed a sharp question to the Centre on Wednesday—would it be open to allowing Muslims in Hindu religious trusts, just as the amended law permits non-Muslims on Waqf boards?A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, took up 72 petitions, including those filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and other political and religious groups. The bench emphasized two key questions: whether the court…

16 Apr

Indian Railways Installs ATM Inside AC Coach of Panchavati Express in Unique Trial

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAshwini Vaishnaw, Indian Railways, Onboard ATM, Panchavati Express

Mumbai, April 16, 2025: In a groundbreaking step to boost passenger convenience, Indian Railways has installed an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) inside an air-conditioned coach of the Panchavati Express, which runs between Mumbai and Manmad. This is the first time an ATM has been introduced aboard a moving train in India.Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the onboard ATM, highlighting the government's innovation drive in public transportation. The facility will allow passengers to withdraw cash during their journey, marking a significant leap in blending banking services with rail travel.The initiative, currently in trial mode, is expected to be…

16 Apr

Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Abolition of ED; Congress Alleges BJP Using Agencies to Distract from Failures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAkhilesh Yadav, Congress, Enforcement Directorate, National Herald case

Bhubaneswar, April 16, 2025: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday stirred the political pot by demanding the abolition of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stating that existing departments like the Income Tax and GST are sufficient to probe economic offences. Speaking at a press conference, Yadav criticized the ED as a redundant tool now misused for political vendetta.“In my view, the ED should be scrapped. Congress should also push for this. If you already have Income Tax and GST departments, then why do you need the ED? It only shows you don't trust your own institutions,” he said. He also…

16 Apr

Trump Reaffirms Controversial View: Canada Would Prosper as 51st US State, Says White House

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCanada, Donald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump continues to stand by his longstanding and contentious belief that Canada would significantly benefit from becoming the 51st state of the United States, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt addressed queries regarding Trump’s recent silence on the issue. “I would reject the notion that the president’s stance on Canada has changed,” she said. “He simply hasn’t been asked about it recently. But let me be clear, President Trump maintains that Canadians would thrive as part of the United States, particularly given the subsidies the…

15 Apr

ED Files Chargesheet Against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case; Court Hearing Set for April 25

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, PoliticsEnforcement Directorate case, National Herald case, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi

New Delhi, April 15, 2025: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, and Suman Dubey in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. The special court took note of the chargesheet filed on April 9 and scheduled the next hearing for April 25 to consider cognisance.Special Judge Vishal Gogne instructed the ED to submit a soft, OCR-readable copy of the complaint and ensure the proper pagination of all documents. The chargesheet was filed under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which pertain to the…

15 Apr

Carney Flags Investor Concerns Amid Trump Tariff Rumours, Honda Denies Shift from Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaHonda Canada, Mark Carney, trade war, U.S. tariffs

Saint-Eustache (Quebec), April 15, 2025: Liberal Leader Mark Carney on Tuesday expressed concern over the chilling effect of U.S. tariffs on investor confidence in Quebec and across Canada. Speaking in both English and French at a campaign event, Carney referred to an unconfirmed report suggesting Honda may relocate some production to the U.S. as a warning sign of the tariffs' potential consequences.However, Industry Minister Anita Anand dismissed the report, calling it “unfounded.” She said she had spoken directly with Honda representatives, who clarified that no such move from Canada or Mexico is under consideration. Honda has not issued an official…

15 Apr

Tahawwur Rana Sent to NIA Custody for Planning 26/11-Like Attacks in New Delhi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia26/11 Mumbai attacks, NIA custody, Tahawwur Rana

New Delhi, April 15, 2025: A Delhi court has ruled that Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the alleged mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, had also identified New Delhi as a target in a wider conspiracy resembling the 26/11 strikes. Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh noted that the conspiracy extended beyond India’s borders and aimed at multiple locations within the country, including the national capital.In a 12-page order passed on April 10, the judge sent Rana to 18 days of National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, stating that a “deep-rooted conspiracy” warranted sustained custodial interrogation. The court emphasized the need to…

15 Apr

Canadian PM Mark Carney Joins Sikh Community in Ottawa for Vaisakhi Seva

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaMark Carney, Ottawa Sikh Society, Sikh Community, Vaisakhi 2025

Ottawa (Canada), April 14, 2025: Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the festival of Vaisakhi by joining the Sikh community in Ottawa for seva at the Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara. Accompanied by his wife Diana, Carney participated in traditional community service and extended warm greetings to Sikh Canadians.“It was an honor to do seva at the Ottawa Sikh Society this morning. Community and service are at the heart of today’s celebration,” Carney shared after the visit.The Prime Minister also offered heartfelt wishes, saying, “Diana and I wish a very Happy Vaisakhi to all Sikh Canadians celebrating across the country.”Vaisakhi, a major…

15 Apr

Canada’s Federal Leaders Set to Clash in Crucial Election Debates This Week

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Election 2025, Federal Leaders Debate, Mark Carney

Ottawa, April 15, 2025: Federal party leaders will square off this week in back-to-back French and English debates, marking a decisive moment in the 2025 election campaign as advanced polls open in just days.Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP’s Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault are all set to participate after meeting the criteria laid out by the federal debates commission. To qualify, each had to meet at least two out of three conditions: holding a seat at the time of election call, polling at four percent nationally by March…

15 Apr

Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium; Authorities Confirm India’s Extradition Request

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsBelgium, Mehul Choksi

Brussels/New Delhi (National Times): Belgian authorities have confirmed the arrest of fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, stating that he is currently in custody following his detention on April 12. The Belgian Justice Department also acknowledged receiving a formal extradition request from India. “The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice can confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He is currently being held pending judicial proceedings, with access to legal counsel assured,” the department told NDTV. Further details were withheld, citing standard protocols in ongoing legal matters. Choksi, 65, is a central figure in the massive…