Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

05 Apr

Tejashwi Vows to Scrap Waqf Bill if RJD Wins Bihar, Slams JD(U) Over Support

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBihar politics, JD(U), Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, Waqf Amendment Bill

Patna, April 5, 2025 — RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday fiercely opposed the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, promising to "toss it into the dustbin" if his party comes to power in Bihar. Yadav also confirmed that his party has moved the Supreme Court against the bill, calling it an attack on the rights of minorities.He ridiculed Nitish Kumar's JD(U) for backing the legislation and accused the party of scrambling to justify the bill’s supposed benefits for Muslims. "They’re trying hard, but without success, to prove that the Bill will benefit Muslims," he said, slamming a JD(U) press conference…

05 Apr

President Murmu Extends Ram Navami Wishes, Nation Gears Up for Grand Celebrations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaPresident Droupadi Murmu, Ram Navami 2025, Shri Ram

New Delhi, April 5, 2025 — President Droupadi Murmu extended warm greetings to citizens on the eve of Ram Navami, calling the festival a time to embrace the values of truth, dharma, and selfless service inspired by Lord Ram’s life. “On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens,” she said in a message on Saturday. Referring to Bhagwan Shri Ram as Maryada Purushottam, the President said his epic journey teaches the importance of truth, sacrifice, and commitment to one’s word. She urged everyone to draw inspiration from Ram’s ideals…

05 Apr

Rubio Urges Global Earthquake Aid; India Leads with Massive Relief to Myanmar

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsMarco Rubio, Myanmar earthquake, Operation Brahma

Brussels/Yangon, April 5, 2025 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that while the United States remains committed to humanitarian aid, other wealthy nations like India and China must share the burden during global crises. Speaking at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Rubio responded to questions about the US role in helping Myanmar after the March 28 earthquake.“We are not the government of the world,” Rubio remarked, defending the scale of America’s aid efforts. He acknowledged difficulties in Myanmar due to the military junta’s resistance to US operations but reiterated that the US was still assisting.He emphasized that India…

05 Apr

Modi Gets Historic Welcome in Sri Lanka, Talks Focus on Defence and Economic Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndependence Square, Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka visit

Colombo, April 5, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Sri Lanka’s historic Independence Square on Saturday — the first time any foreign leader has received such an honour at the iconic venue. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally welcomed Modi, marking a new high in bilateral ties.Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening after attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. The ceremonial reception was followed by high-level delegation talks between the two leaders.India and Sri Lanka are expected to unveil nearly 10 major agreements, with a landmark defence cooperation pact likely to…

04 Apr

Naxal IED Blast Kills One, Injures Another in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBastar, Chhattisgarh, IED blast, Naxal attack

Narayanpur, April 4, 2025 — A man was killed and another injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The blast occurred in the afternoon on a dirt track between Jadda and Markud villages when the victims were gathering sticks to make brooms.Rajesh Usendi and Ramlal Korram, both 25 and residents of Kanagoan, triggered the pressure IED, causing an explosion that killed Usendi on the spot. Korram was rushed to Narayanpur district hospital, where he is receiving treatment.Police officials said such incidents are increasing in the Bastar region, as…

04 Apr

Waqf Bill Faces Legal Challenge as Owaisi, Congress MP Move Supreme Court

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAsaduddin Owaisi, Mohammad Jawed, Parliament, Supreme Court, Waqf Bill

New Delhi, April 4, 2025 — Hours after Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi moved the Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional. They argued that the law undermines religious autonomy and discriminates against the Muslim community.The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill early Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, following its approval in the Lok Sabha with a 288-232 margin. The Bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law. It mandates that only self-owned properties can be declared as Waqf after verifying ownership and ensuring inheritance rights…

04 Apr

EU Plans Billion-Dollar Fine Against Elon Musk’s X for Disinformation, Illegal Content Violations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDigital Services Act, Disinformation, Elon Musk, European Union

Brussels, April 4, 2025 — European Union regulators are preparing to impose major penalties on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, citing violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), according to a report by The New York Times. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the penalties could include a hefty fine — possibly exceeding $1 billion — and mandates for significant platform reforms.The EU’s forthcoming action would mark the first enforcement under the DSA, which obliges tech giants to more aggressively moderate illegal content and disinformation. Official announcements are expected this summer. The penalties come amid rising tensions with…

04 Apr

China hits back against Donald Trump’s tariffs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsChina, US President, US-China Relations

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma), April 4, 2025: US President Donald Trump has imposed import tariffs on China totalling 54%, but that figure didn’t come all at once. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. Then earlier this week, Washington brought in a new set of "reciprocal" tariffs for countries around the world and the rate for China is 34%. It means China's retaliatory tariff matches the one Trump introduced earlier this week. China files lawsuit against US tariffs with WTO and China’s response to US tariffs, after Beijing says it’s…

04 Apr

My policies will never change: Trump

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsNew Policies, President Donald Trump, USA

Washington, April 4, 2025 – US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration’s stance on tariffs, stating that his policies will remain unchanged. Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "To the many investors coming into the United States and investing massive amounts of money, my policies will never change."He declared this to be a prime moment for financial growth, adding, "This is a great time to get rich, richer than ever before.”The president’s statement comes amid global economic shifts and ongoing trade tensions. Trump’s administration has consistently maintained a protectionist economic agenda, focusing on high tariffs and strategic decoupling…

04 Apr

PM Mark Carney Praises Sikh Community’s Role in Building Canada During Sikh Heritage Month

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaMark Carney, Sikh Canadians, Sikh Heritage Month

Ottawa, April 4, 2025 – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to the Sikh community’s enduring contributions to the nation during Sikh Heritage Month, acknowledging nearly 130 years of their impactful presence.“Sikh Canadians have helped build a more compassionate, equal, and just Canada,” Carney said in a statement. He emphasized that Sikh Heritage Month is not just a time to reflect on the past but also to recognize how Sikh values continue to shape the country’s future.Carney’s message underlined the deep-rooted influence of Sikh Canadians in various spheres of national life—from economic development to public service and social justice.…