Tag: Indian

Indian students restricted from 5 Australian varsities over fake visas: Reports

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New Delhi: Indian students are reported to have been restricted from around five Australian universities over fraudulent visa application cases.
According to reports emerging from sections of Australian media, it has been alleged that migrants from India used the student visa system as an easier alternative to access work rights in Australia.
Reports further said that cases of sham visas are on the rise and therefore, Australian authorities have restricted entry of Indian students.

These reports quoting investigations by leading Australian newspapers like “The Age” and “The Sydney Morning Herald”, said that mails obtained from some known universities of that country, showed the crackdown on applications from Indian students.
With Australia expecting a huge surge of Indian students this year, the reports said that cases of expected visa fraud have raised concerns within authorities.
Signing of a wide ranging agreement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, will also allow easier travel for studying in both countries. This too is likely to pose a challenge to authorities to prevent cases of sham visas, reports said further.
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#Indian #students #restricted #Australian #varsities #fake #visas #Reports
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 18, 2023
UK taking Indian mission’s security ‘extremely seriously’, Parliament told

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London: The British government takes the security of the Indian High Commission in London “extremely seriously” and robustly responds to criminal incidents at diplomatic missions, the House of Commons has been informed.
In response to a written parliamentary question by Indian-origin Labour MP Navendu Mishra, UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said on Monday that the government finds the criminal damage and assaults on staff at the Indian High Commission in London last month “unacceptable”.
“The government takes the protective security of the Indian High Commission extremely seriously,” said Tugendhat.

“The government remains committed to protecting the security of missions throughout the UK, including preventing and rapidly and robustly responding to incidents such as this. The criminal damage and assaults on staff from the India High Commission at the incident on the weekend of the 18th March were unacceptable. The police have powers to deal with such acts,” he said.
The Home Office minister said the follow ups in the case were an operational matter for the police, with decisions on possible criminal proceedings to be made in conjunction with the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
“As stated in our previous response, it is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on diplomatic security arrangements. To do so could compromise the integrity of those arrangements and affect the security of the individuals and locations concerned,” he added.
Mishra had tabled his question at the end of last month to seek further information about the security assessments assured by the British government in the immediate aftermath of the attack on the High Commission premises and what steps were being taken “to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions”.
It comes as it emerged that India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the case of the attempted vandalisation of India House in London during last month’s protest, as it involves unlawful activities carried out by certain people holding Indian nationality abroad.

Indian officials have said that the NIA will take over the investigation from the special cell of the Delhi Police, which had registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
A group of pro-Khalistani protestors shattered windows at the London mission and pulled down the national flag during protests on March 19, a day after the local police launched a crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh in Punjab.
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#Indian #missions #security #extremely #Parliament #told
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 18, 2023
Indian mountaineer Baljeet Kaur rescued from Mt. Annapurna in Nepal

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Kathmandu: Baljeet Kaur, a 27-year-old prominent Indian woman climber was rescued on Tuesday, a day after she went missing near Camp IV of Mt Annapurna while descending from the summit point, an official of the expedition organiser said.
Kaur, who scaled the world’s 10th highest peak without using supplemental oxygen on Monday, was rescued from 7,363m after an aerial search team located her above Camp IV, Chairman at Pioneer Adventure Pasang Sherpa, was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times newspaper.
“She has suffered from frostbite and is now being rushed to CIWEC Hospital from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu,” Sherpa said.

Kaur was seen descending alone towards Camp IV by the aerial search team, according to Sherpa.
The leading Indian woman climber, who was left alone below the summit point, remained out of radio contact till this morning, the report added.
An aerial search mission was initiated on Tuesday morning only after she managed to send a radio signal asking for ‘immediate help’.
A series of heroic airlifts from Annapurna including Baljeet Kaur, Shehroz Kashif, Naila Kiyani & two others.
Two deaths reported so far on the dangerous Annapurna #Nepal pic.twitter.com/QbNtP5eOR8
— The Northerner (@northerner_the) April 18, 2023
According to Sherpa, her GPS location has indicated an altitude of 7,375m (24,193ft). She climbed Mt Annapurna along with two Sherpa guides at around 5:15 pm on Monday. At least three helicopters were mobilised to trace her.
In May last year, Kaur, from Himachal Pradesh, scaled Mt Lhotse and became the first Indian climber to have climbed four 8000-meter peaks in a single season.

On Monday, Anurag Malu, a resident of Kishangarh in Rajasthan, went missing while descending from Camp III of Mt. Annapurna.
A team of five Sherpa climbers has been conducting a ground search for Malu, the report said.
According to Mingma Sherpa, chairman at Seven Summit Treks, Noel Hanna, the first person from Ireland to reach the summit of K2 during the winter season, died at Camp IV last night. Hanna’s body was also brought back to Kathmandu on Tuesday, the report said.
Indian climber Arjun Vajpai was also evacuated from Camp IV along with Pakistani climbers Shehroze Kashif and Naila Kiani after they fell ill while descending from the summit point, Seven Summit Treks’ Expedition Director, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, was quoted as saying in the report.
Annapurna is the tenth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,091 metres above sea level.
It is well known for the difficulty and danger involved in its ascent.

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#Indian #mountaineer #Baljeet #Kaur #rescued #Annapurna #Nepal
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 18, 2023
NIA takes over probe into attack on Indian mission in London

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New Delhi: Nearly a month after the national flag at the Indian high commission in London was pulled down during a protest by pro-Khalistan activists, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case to investigate the matter, sources said.
According to inputs, the case was handed over to the NIA by the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) division of the Ministry of Home Affairs a few days back.
The anti-terror agency registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and began its probe.

The agency took over the case from Delhi Police, which registered an FIR in the matter under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and is currently investigating it.
The MHA took the decision to hand over the case to the NIA following a meeting with UK representatives last week, the sources indicated.
It is learnt that a special team of the NIA, including a Deputy Inspector General rank officer, may visit London “very soon”, said a source privy to the development.
A tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was grabbed at by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and chanting pro-Khalistani slogans on March 19.
The national flag was pulled down during the protest by pro-Khalistani elements. Videos of the incident showed several protesters carrying the yellow and black Khalistan flag and calling for radical Sikh preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh to be “freed”.

The videos showed one of the protesters clambering onto a balcony and pulling down the Indian flag from a pole at the front of the high commission to cheers from the other men. British policemen arrived on the scene and prevented the protestors from approaching an entrance of the Indian high commission. The protesters shouted slogans and abused Indian officials within, the videos showed.
Centre amended the NIA Act in August 2019, empowering the agency to investigate terror activities against Indians and Indian interests abroad apart from cyber crimes and human trafficking.
In the fifth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue held on April 12, India raised concerns on the misuse of the UK’s asylum status by the Pro-Khalistani elements aid and abet terrorist activities here and requested better cooperation with the UK and increased monitoring of UK based Pro-Khalistan Extremists and take appropriate proactive action.
India also pointed out its concerns over the breach of security of the Indian High Commission.
Both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation and identified further steps that can be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, and anti-India activities in the UK including Pro-Khalistan Extremism among other issues.
The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the UK delegation was led by Permanent Secretary, of Home Office, Sir Matthew Rycroft. The meeting was also attended by other senior officials of both countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last month summoned the UK deputy high commissioner after pro-Khalistan protestors took down the Indian flag at the high commission in London. The pro-Khalistan groups were protesting against the Punjab police’s crackdown on Sikh hardliner Amritpal Singh.
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#NIA #takes #probe #attack #Indian #mission #London
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 18, 2023
Indian embassy in Sudan advises Indians to stay indoors

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New Delhi: As Sudanese capital Khartoum continued to witness large-scale violence, the Indian embassy in Sudan issued a fresh advisory on Monday urging Indians not to venture out of their residences and stay calm.
On Sunday, the embassy said an Indian national died in Khartoum after sustaining bullet injuries.
“Based on the latest inputs the fighting has not subsided on day two. We sincerely request all fellow Indians to continue to stay where they are and not venture outside,” the mission said in its second advisory after violence broke out in Khartoum.

Grieving the death of the Indian national, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the situation in Khartoum remains one of “great concern” and that India will continue to monitor the developments in that country.
Explosions and clashes were reported in various areas in Khartoum in the backdrop of escalating tension between a paramilitary force and Sudan’s Army.
On Saturday, the Indian embassy advised Indian nationals in Sudan to take utmost precautions and stay indoors after Khartoum witnessed large-scale violence.
According to the official data , the number of Indians in Sudan is around 4,000 including 1200 who have settled down in the country decades ago.
Sudan’s military captured power in a coup in October 2021 and it has been running the country through a sovereign council since then.

There has been a dispute between the Army and the para-military over a proposed timeline for handing over power to a civilian government.
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#Indian #embassy #Sudan #advises #Indians #stay #indoors
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 17, 2023
Dubai fire: Indian couple who died were preparing iftar for neighbours

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Abu Dhabi: An Indian couple who died in a massive fire that broke out at a residential building in Dubai killing 16 people, was preparing an iftar meal for their neighbours, according to a media report.
38-year-old Rijesh Kalangadan, and his wife Jeshi 32-year-old Kandamangalath, were preparing Vishu sadhya, a festival meal, for their neighbours to end their fast on Saturday evening, the Gulf News reported.
At least 16 people were killed and nine others injured in the blaze in Al Ras area, which Dubai Civil Defence attributed to a lack of compliance with building security and safety requirements.

Hailing from Kerala, Kalangadan worked as a business development manager with a travel and tourism company, and his wife Kandamangalath was a schoolteacher.
According to Gulf News, the couple had invited their Muslim neighbours, a group of bachelors from Kerala, for an iftar meal.
“They had invited us during Onam and Vishu lunches earlier also. This time, they told us to come for iftar as it is Ramzan,” Riyas Kaikambam, who lived with seven roommates in apartment number 409, said.
The couple lived in 406 — adjacent to flat 405 where the fire started.
Calling them a “friendly couple”, Kaikambam said he last saw them outside their apartment.

“I could see the teacher was crying,” he recalled.
“There was no response to calls later. I could see Rijesh’s last seen status on WhatsApp at 12.35 p.m. I just can’t believe the man who helped me book my flight ticket, the man who invited me for iftar, is gone,” he said.
The couple was scheduled to fly home for the house-warming of their home next month, a family member from Kerala told Gulf News.
The fire broke out on fourth floor of the building on Saturday at 12.35 p.m. and soon spread to other areas.
Dubai Civil Defence Operations Room was informed about the inferno after which fire engines were rushed to the spot.
The fire was controlled around 2.42 p.m.
The building has been sealed for safety reasons.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Siasat staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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#Dubai #fire #Indian #couple #died #preparing #iftar #neighbours
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 17, 2023
Khartoum violence: Indian embassy in Sudan advises Indians to take utmost precautions

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New Delhi: The Indian embassy in Sudan on Saturday advised Indian nationals in the country to take utmost precautions and stay indoors after Sudanese capital Khartoum witnessed large-scale violence.
In a tweet, the mission also urged the Indians to stay calm and wait for updates.
Explosions and clashes were reported in various areas in Khartoum in the backdrop of escalating tension between a paramilitary force and Sudan’s Army.
“Notice to all Indians. In view of reported firings and clashes, all Indians are advised to take utmost precautions, stay indoors and stop venturing outside with immediate effect. Please also stay calm and wait for updates,” the Indian mission tweeted.

The military captured power in a coup in October 2021 and it has been running the country through a sovereign council since then.
There has been a dispute between the Army and the paramilitary over a proposed timeline for handing over power to a civilian government.
According to the official data , the number of Indians in Sudan is around 4,000 including 1,200 who have settled down in the country decades ago.
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#Khartoum #violence #Indian #embassy #Sudan #advises #Indians #utmost #precautions
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 15, 2023
Will encourage students to take courses on Indian Knowledge System: UGC

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New Delhi: From Vedic concepts of astronomy to plastic surgery, Ayurveda to Yoga, higher education students will be encouraged to take courses on Indian Knowledge System as part of their academic curriculum, according to the University Grants Commission.
According to the draft guidelines, courses on Indian Knowledge System (IKS) will have to account for at least five per cent of the total mandated credits that a student is expected to earn to obtain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
“The undergraduate curriculums are diverse and have varied subjects to be covered to meet the needs of the programmes. It is not possible to have a single prescription for all the various UG and PG programmes in the country,” the draft said.

“The primary purpose of the guidelines is to help the institutions come up with courses that will introduce the students to all aspects of IKS which are related to their fields of study and to promote interest in knowing and exploring more. A 10-year horizon is envisioned for the application of these guidelines, along with a revision and modification after five years to meet the evolving needs,” it said.
According to the commission, IKS is a systematised disciplines of knowledge developed to a high degree of sophistication in India from ancient times and all of the traditions and practises that the various communities, including tribal, have evolved, refined and preserved over generations.
“Student enrolled in a UG or PG programme should be encouraged to take credit courses in IKS amounting in all to at least five per cent of the total mandated credits. And at least 50 per cent of the credits apportioned to the IKS should be related to the major discipline and should be accounted for the credits assigned to the major discipline,” the draft said.
The splendid geographical isolation of India and the uniqueness of Indian culture, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and their important regional versions; Puranas, foundational texts of Indian Philosophies, including the Jaina and Bauddha; foundational Texts of Indian religious sampradayas, from the Vedic period to the Bhakti traditions of different regions are among the courses prescribed under the IKS.

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#encourage #students #courses #Indian #Knowledge #System #UGC
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 14, 2023
Qatar: 41-yr-old Indian expat woman wins Rs 2 cr in Mahzooz draw

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Abu Dhabi: A 41-year-old Qatar-based Indian expatriate woman has been crowned as the fifth ‘guaranteed’ winner of one million Dirhams (Rs 2,22,22,720).
The winner of the draw Rinza Firoz, holding the raffle ID number 32718522— matched five out of the six winning numbers during the 119th weekly Mahzooz draw held on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
Rinza, who works as a coordinator for a pipeline supply service. She has been living in Qatar for the past 18 years with her husband and two children.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked and spellbound when I was checking my Mahzooz account while speaking with the Mahzooz team on the phone,” Rinza was quoted as saying by Gulf News.
She plans to use the money for her eldest daughter, who is preparing to attend university.
On March 4, the draw revamped its prize pool, introducing a new feature where every week one participant becomes a guaranteed millionaire.
The next Mahzooz live draw will be held on Saturday, April 15, at 9 pm (UAE time). Participants can register on the Mahzooz app and website and purchase a bottle of water for 35 Dirhams (Rs 785).
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#Qatar #41yrold #Indian #expat #woman #wins #Mahzooz #draw
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 14, 2023
Ukraine to allow Indian students to appear for key exam from India

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New Delhi: Indian medical students, who returned home from Ukraine following the Russian invasion, will be allowed to take a key examination from India.
This has been conveyed to the Indian side by Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova during her three-day visit to New Delhi.
“On the issue of Indian medical students, the Deputy foreign minister mentioned that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

The MEA issued a statement as Dzhaparova wrapped up her visit to India.
Around 19,000 Indian students were studying in Ukraine when the Russian invasion began in February last year.
According to estimates, approximately 2,000 Indian students have gone back to Ukraine and they are residing mostly in the western part of the East European country.
Under the initiative of the Ukranian authorities, the students who are still in India can join online classes and have the option to appear for the Unified State Qualification Exam (USQE) in India.
During the visit, the first deputy foreign minister held bilateral talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the MEA and called on Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi.

“Dzhaparova, during her visit, highlighted Ukraine’s desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India,” the MEA said.
“Dzhaparova’s visit to India would facilitate cooperation between the two countries,” it said.
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#Ukraine #Indian #students #key #exam #India
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 12, 2023