A senior official of the US embassy said on Thursday that by the summer of 2023, the waiting time for the issue of American visas is anticipated to significantly decrease and the number is estimated to reach roughly 1.2 million.
“India is number one priority for Washington (for issuance of visas). Our aim is to bring the situation to the pre-Covid-19 level by the middle of next year,” news agency PTI quoted an official.
After the travel restrictions connected to the coronavirus were lifted, India was one of the very few countries where applications for US visas significantly increased.
The US is also launching a number of efforts, including adding more staff and expanding the “drop box” facilities, the official added according to news agency PTI, in light of the lengthy wait times for visa approval.
Every month, approximately 1 lakh visas are expected to be issued.
According to the official, the US has already designated Indians’ H (H1B) and L category visas as a top priority, and recently, approximately 1,000,000 slots were made available for individuals who wanted to renew their visas.
For some categories, the wait time has already decreased from 450 days to about nine months.
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As Twitter debuts its new $8 Twitter Blue service, it will designate some verified accounts as “official”, Esther Crawford, the company’s early stage products executive, said on Tuesday.
“Accounts that will receive [the label] include government accounts, commercial companies, business partners, major media outlets, publishers and some public figures,” Crawford tweeted.
“Not all previously verified accounts will get the ‘Official’ label and the label is not available for purchase.”
Crawford said that users’ identities will not be verified using identification cards or other materials through the updated Twitter Blue subscription programme, which will let paid customers have their accounts verified with a blue checkmark.
The disclosure is the most recent development as Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk, explains its ambitions for verification on the network.
On November 1, Musk said Twitter would start giving blue checkmarks, which were intended to identify genuine and influential users, to Blue subscribers. Blue is the platform’s premium service.
“Twitter’s current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark is bullshit. Power to the people! Blue for $8/month,” Musk wrote.
The redesigned premium service appeared to have opened momentarily over the weekend, as the social media company stated in an update for Apple iOS devices on Saturday that anyone who “signs up now” to its premium “Twitter Blue” service will receive a blue tick. In addition, longer movies will be able to be posted and priority ranking for platform-posted material are among the additional features that were promised as part of the premium service makeover.
Fake accounts for government officials are a recurring issue for Twitter globally. According to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke to Reuters, the company’s policy executives pushed for the new “official” label because they were deeply concerned that international governments would not likely and would not be ready to pay for verified check marks.
Musk is moving to take control of the platform’s operations, and the adjustments to the Blue programme are only one of many moving components. There were rumours that Twitter had urged “dozens” of individuals to return to work after cutting off half of its global workforce the previous week.
In India, various individuals and organisations got official label which includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, The Wire and more.
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The District Legal Services Authority Bhaderwah celebrated National Legal Services Day in the premises of Govt High School Nagar Bhaderwah here today.
Advocate Mohd Majid Malik was resource person on the occasion where as principal of the GHS Nagar Bhaderwah Farida Akhter , PET Murtaza Qadir , teachers Ranju Devi , Husna Tabassum , Raiz Salma , Adv Isha , PLVs Afsha Shamim , Priyanka Sharma , Omesh Chouhan , Reenu Parihar , Asha Dutt , Neha , Ashish Kotwal , Ankush Yogi and Afzal Dev was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Adv Mohd Majid Malik said the National Legal Services Day is observed every year to commemorate the commencement of legal services authorities Act , 1987 which came into force on 9th Nov 1995. He said the day is celebrated to make people aware of the various provisions under the legal services authorities act and rights of the litigants . He also informed that the Indian constitution treats every individual equally and provides equal opportunity to promote justice.
He said all individuals are equal under the law in a democracy and article 14 and 22 ( 1) make it mandatory for the state to ensure equality under the law and a legal system that promotes justice .
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The CBI on Wednesday said that it arrested two then directors of a private company in a case related to bank fraud.
In a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that CBI has arrested two then directors of a private company based at Kathua in the ongoing investigation of a bank fraud case.
The statement reads that a case was registered on 12.02.2020 against the private company and others including its MD, Directors on complaint from SBI, SAM Branch, Ludhiana.
“It was alleged that the accused in conspiracy with unknown officials of State Bank of India, had cheated Bank to the tune of Rs. 87. 88 Crore (total amount with interest of around Rs.121.13 Crore) during the period from 2006 to 2019 by illegally removing machinery and other parts without getting prior permission or without informing the Lender Banks,” it reads.
It reads that the proceeds of such machines, motors etc., had not been deposited in the account. It was further alleged that the accused stealthily removed the imported machinery of Pulp Section and other parts from the factory without the knowledge of the bank.”
It added that it was also alleged that the accused illegally sold machinery parts as scrap and arranged fake invoices to cover up the said illegal sale.
“It was found during investigation that the accused had allegedly diverted funds from the loan account. Both the arrested accused are being produced today before the Court of CJM, Jammu,” it reads—(KNO)
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The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the National body of Architects in the country. Established in 1917, the institute today has more than 25,000 members and plays a major role in promoting the profession of architecture by organizing and uniting the Architects of India to promote aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and in Education.
In light of the fact that the construction sector contributes 36% of carbon dioxide emissions, an optimistic outlook would be to build more judiciously and mindfully keeping the environment and nature at its core, thereby minimizing this damage.
A significant step towards this cause is the event – ‘Latitude’ – the IIA Southern Regional Conference 2022, which is bringing together architects, academicians, and students from all over India to meet, deliberate, and learn from each other’s best practices and collectively address these issues which are both global & regional.
The Southern Regional Conference (SRC) 2022 is a two-day premier event showcasing acclaimed international and national (southern regional) architects. The SRC is a curated confluence of architects and their expressions across latitudes. The IIA SRC 2022 offers an opportunity for architects to Explore, Express, and Experience regionalism and cherish and celebrate regional diversity in a globalized world.
The key speakers for the event are :- (a)Elisabeth Belpaire, Belgium, (b) Farid Esmaeil, X Architects, Dubai, UAE, (c)Gouthama, Mud Hands, Bengaluru, India, (d) Henri Comrie, URBA, South Africa, (e) Javier Munoz Menendez, Munoz Arquitectos Asociados, Mexico, (f)Krishnan Varma, Meister Varma Architects, Kerala, India (g) Neelam Manjunath, Manasaram Architects, Bengaluru, India, (h) Pavithra Sriram, Design Co:Lab, Chennai, India, (i) Peter Rich, Peter Rich Architects, South Africa, (j)Richard Witt, BDP Quadrangle, Toronto, (k) Sandeep Mukherjee, Quercuspace, Bengaluru, India, (l) Dr. Srinivas Daketi, SPA, Vijayawada, India, (m) Sudhir Reddy, Kruthica, Hyderabad, India, (n) Waro Kishi, K. Associates, Tokyo, Japan.
While the South Regional Conference 2022 will raise pertinent discussions, it also is a celebration of architecture & design. Nearly a thousand practicing architects, academicians, and students from all over India are expected to participate in this two-day event. The SRC 2022 will feature seven highly acclaimed international architects and seven reputed Indian architects and designers. These invited speakers have been deliberately chosen from a wide range of latitudes across the globe and will expound their ideas about architecture and design based on their location and cultural heritage.
In addition to these speaker presentations and panel discussions, the learnings during the conference will be extended to the workshop on Bamboo Construction by Ar. Neelam Manjunath and workshop on paper engineering by Arun Desai. Books with a wealth of knowledge and experience will be launched to facilitate knowledge dissemination to the gathered Architecture fraternity. Four eminent architects – Peter Rich, Neelam Manjunath, JK Gupta, and Appanna Deshpande will launch their books during this conference.
Awards to the built works by architects and student thesis awards will also be conferred along with Lifetime Achievement Awards where the contributions to the architecture domain will be recognized and honored. Product exhibitions and presentations will extend the know-how of the industry offering more information and collaboration opportunities. An architecture quiz and sketching competition will keep the interests of the architects and students abuzz with lively conversations.
In its overall essence, ‘LATITUDE’ – the IIA Southern Regional Conference (SRC) 2022 hosted by the IIA Karnataka Chapter, will initiate and expand opportunities for constructive conversations on key issues that the architectural community in India can collectively contribute towards while celebrating their regional diversity across the globe.
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An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale hit Uttarakhand on Wednesday morning, hours after powerful tremors shook Delhi.
The earthquake struck at 6:27 am, with its epicentre five kilometres beneath Pithoragarh. However, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage.
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Jammu November: one person namely Ajaz Ahmad S/O Mohd. ShariefR/O Gool Ramban, reported that some unknown persons have stolen Rs 518000 from his parked truck from the warehouse. In this regard FIR was registered and investigation started. During the course of investigation and with the help of CCTV footages,the thieves were identified and were arrested.
The thieves arrested were identified asMohd Ashraf S/O Mohd Hussain R/O Kakora Rajouri(Alredy 7 FIRs registered) and Mohd Usman S/O Abdul Karim R/O Chawa, Rajouri (Already more than 3 FIRs registered). During their disclosure Rs 494000 cash recovered from them and one Scorpio vehicle is also seized .
1. From 07-11-2022, 1700 hrs. to 08-11-2022, 1700 hrs. Jammu Srinagar NH 44 remained blocked for 03 hour 06 mins due to shooting stones/filling of potholes at Mehar/Cafeteria. NAVYUG Tunnel closed for 03 hrs. 10 mins by Tunnel authority, making the total blockage of 06 hrs 16 mins. There was breakdown of 13 HMVS at various locations on NH-44.
2. There will be no maintenance/repair day on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road in view of winter season.
3. HMVs with only 06 and 10 tyres shall be allowed to ply through Dhar road.
TRAFFIC PLAN & ADVISORY FOR 09-11-2022: Subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing this traffic.
CUT OFF TIMINGS FOR LMVS/PASSENGER/PRIVATE CARS: –
To be released from Nagrota (Jammu) from 0800 hrs. to 1100 hrs.
from Jakheni (Udhampur) 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs & from Qazigund 0800 hrs to 1100 hrs.
TCU Jammu and TCU Srinagar will inform all concerned about the traffic advisory and cut off timings. No vehicle shall be allowed to move before and after cut off timings.
HMVs/Load Carriers: –
Subject to fair weather and road clearance, HMVs shall be allowed from NAVYUG Tunnel towards Jammu after assessing the road and traffic situation on NH-44. TCU Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs.
SFS Convoy Movement: –
Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/ traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. Tomorrow they may ply from Srinagar towards Jammu after confirming the status of NHW from TCU Ramban.
SSG ROAD: –
Subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa.
In view of winter season/frost on road, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0800 hrs. to 1130 hrs. Similarly LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed before and after cut off timings.
MUGHAL ROAD:
Subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides on Mughal road viz from Shopian towards Poonch and vice versa.
In view of winter season/frost on road, LMVs will be released from Behramgalla (Buffliaz), Poonch towards Srinagar and from Herpora (Shopian) towards Poonch at 0800 hrs upto 1600 hrs. However, HMVs will be released from Behramgalla, Buffliaz (Poonch) towards Srinagar at 0800 upto 1200 hrs. and from Herpora (Shopian) towards Poonch shall be allowed after the tail of up Convoy crosses Dubjan area and shall allowed upto 1600 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed before and after cut off timings.
ADVISORY:
People are advised to undertake journey on NHW-44 only after confirming status of the road from Traffic control units as under:•
Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732)
Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091)
• Ramban (9419993745)
Udhampur (8491928625)
PCR Kishtwar (9906154100) for status of Sinthan Road Advisory issued today on 08-11-2022
Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta chaired a winter preparedness review of Power Distribution Companies (DisComs) here at the Civil Secretariat today.
The Chief Secretary instructed the officers to ensure that government workshops are replenished with spare parts, inspections of transformers should be undertaken and sufficient stock of transformers is maintained to meet demand during peak consumption season. He stated that the flat rate system of billing will be dispensed with soon.
The Chief Secretary observed that demand side management to reduce losses and to ensure regular supply of power to the customers is of paramount importance. For this purpose, effective enforcement has to be undertaken against power theft. The Chief Secretary directed the Department to ensure that the schedule of power cuts, wherever required, is publicized in advance so that the consumers can plan their activities accordingly.
He called for expediting the process of power lines installation between Ramban-Kishtwar and for Sonamarg and Gurez.
Reviewing the overall power scenario, Dr. Mehta called for hiring professional consultants for efficient and cost effective power procurement by the UT. He called for formulating definite procedures for such purchases, either through Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or from power exchanges.
The officers were directed to set definite targets of revenue collection from regular customers and amnesty payers and asked for ensuring efficiency of the process. The Chief Secretary reiterated directions for installation of at least 1.5 lakh smart meters each in Srinagar and Jammu cities by March 2023.
The Chief Secretary directed for concluding disciplinary action against officers/officials in charge of feeders with losses greater than 90 percent immediately. He stressed that Aggregated Technical and Commercial (AT&C) Losses should be maintained below 15 percent.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD), H. Rajesh Prasad; Managing Director JPDCL, Shiv Anant Tayal and Managing Director KPDCL, Yasin M Choudhary among other senior officers of the discoms.
To address the huge gap in electricity connections and the consumption of electricity, as reported by Superintending Engineer JPDCL, in District Doda especially during the winter season resulting the frequent unscheduled power cuts, the District Magistrate Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan has issued some regulations on sale and use of heating gadgets in the District.
It is pertinent to mention here that during winter months excessive use of heating gadgets by some people lead to heavy load on the available electricity causing inconvenience to the general public in the form of unscheduled power cuts. Also as per Govt. order No. 72-PDD of 2018 dated: 27-02-2018 there is already a ban on Nichrome Coils being used for manufacture of crude water heaters and crude cooking heaters.
The unregulated use of high power consuming electrical gadgets, that too, by such consumers who do not have electricity connections or have not paid their outstanding electricity dues cause inconvenience to the law abiding genuine consumers and institutions dealing with services of emergent nature like patient care etc.
The DM by virtue of powers vested to him under Section 144 of Cr.PC has ordered that the shops / stores carrying on business of electrical and electronic items shall not sell electrical appliances/ items such as heaters, geysers, ACs, etc. to customers who do not have a valid electricity connection or have not paid the last electricity bill.
Further the shops / stores who sell electrical appliances / items shall maintain a proper record of such sale and the record of electricity bills of such customers which shall be regularly checked by a special teams. The shopkeepers have been further asked not to sell or store heating gadget using the banned Nichrome Coils.
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