Quad Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Demands Action Against Cross-Border Terrorism From Pakistan
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Hans India
36 minutes ago
- Hans India
Study abroad: Redefining education for students
Studying abroad has transformed from a niche aspiration to a mainstream ambition for millions of Indian students in recent decades. However, in 2025, Indian students' dreams are facing the toughest test. As countries tighten immigration policies, introduce financial restrictions, and prioritize local labour markets, the once-straightforward path to a foreign degree is now a complex maze. Despite these headwinds, international education continues to thrive, but has not diminished. Shifting policies, shrinking access? Several study destinations have undergone drastic visa and policy changes over the last year, which have put students and institutions scrambling to adjust. Canada, which was the preferred destination for Indian students, was slated to introduce a study permit cap of 437,000 for 2025, while increasing the requirement for proof of financial means to CAD 20,635, an increase of over 100% from the usual upward adjustment witnessed in previous years. Furthermore, Canadian authorities have tightened the criteria of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), with higher requirements of English language proficiency being imposed: CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates. Whereas in the UK, the Graduate Route visa is still there, which allows international students to work for two years post-graduation (three for PhDs), the money-proof requirements were raised. Australia, well known for being a state with many privileges to students, has increased the financial requirement to AUD 29,710 and has made things hard with its English language assessments. The country is considering an enrollment cap for international students, but in parallel, it is granting extended work rights in priority sectors such as healthcare and engineering. The US, with fewer structural changes, remains good at maintaining the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, through which STEM graduates get up to 36 months of work experience. However, increased scrutiny on visas and growing concerns on the possible H-1B routes continue to shadow the long-term outlook for some students. A diversifying map of destinations Amidst the tightening grip of traditional education hubs, emerging contenders are claiming their spots. Germany, Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand are gaining attention for their student centric visa policies, high-quality education systems and increasing opportunities for post-study work. There has particularly been a 26% spike in Indian student enrollment in Germany in the past academic year alone, courtesy of no tuition fees, public universities and strong STEM reputation. The diversification of destinations is yet another example of something getting a little stranger: a change in the mindset of students. It is no longer just about a university's rank or a country's prestige has to be about long-term ROI, work rights, safety, and living costs. The rising role of education loans As financial barriers grow, the relevance of education loans has become more pronounced. According to a Shiksha study in 2024, 49% of Indian students relied on education loans to fund their international education. The average cost of studying in countries like the U.S., Canada, or Australia now ranges between INR 25 to 50 Lakh, depending on the course and institution. In 2025, that number is projected to rise further as parent's savings alone can no longer meet the steep financial requirements set by many countries. Traditional banks still hold a strong position; however, NBFCs and FinTechs have managed to enter the market by way of offering tailor-made loans without collateral and with faster turnaround times. Such institutions are critical for students of Tier-II and Tier-III cities who may not have, at least, property to offer or a strong credit history, but do have academic skills. Apart from that, the financial advice is being actively sought by students before their initiation on their roads. Platforms that offer loan comparisons, EMI calculators, and amortization simulations have slowly but surely become a relevant aspect of the actual decision-making process. Reinvention, not retreat The narrative around international education in 2025 isn't one of decline but of reinvention. Yes, there are more hoops to jump through, but those who do, arrive better informed and better financially planned. The value of an international education is still strong for individuals, communities and economies alike. For Indian students, the key lies in strategic planning, early financial preparedness, and a willingness to explore new global frontiers. And for stakeholders, governments, lenders, and universities, it is imperative to keep the system equitable and aspirational.
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Business Standard
38 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Meeting held under pressure: Jairam Ramesh attacks ECI over INDIA bloc meet
A day after Election Commission of India (ECI) met with the delegation of 11 parties to discuss its decision of conducting "electoral" revision ahead of the Bihar elections, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh slammed ECI stating that the meeting "ultimately" took place "under pressure". The Congress leader noted that the Election Commission earlier refused a meeting, however, later only allowed two leaders from a party, due to which some leaders could not even meet with the officials of the ECI. "Yesterday evening, the delegation of the INDIA bloc met with the Election Commission regarding the special voter intensive revision ("SIR") in Bihar. Initially, the Commission had refused to meet, but ultimately, under pressure, the delegation was called. The Commission arbitrarily allowed only two representatives from each party, due to which many of us could not meet with the Commission. I myself sat in the waiting room for almost two hours", Jairam Ramesh said in his 'X' post. The Congress MP stated that the ECI's attitude "weakens" the "basic structure" of the Indian democracy. He asserted that ECI is a government body and it can't refuse the opposition's request for hearings. "Over the past six months, the Commission's attitude has consistently been such that it weakens the basic structure of our democracy. The Election Commission is a constitutional body. It cannot regularly reject requests for hearings from the opposition. The Commission must work in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and its provisions", Jairam Ramesh's 'X' post said. The Congress leader emphasised that the ECI cannot impose "arbitrary rules" for engaging with political parties. "Most importantly, the Election Commission cannot make arbitrary rules for engaging with political parties--such as the number of representatives, their positions, or deciding who is authorized and who is not", the Congress leader said. Claiming that when the opposition called the rules from the ECI "arbitrary and misleading", the body replied, "This is the new Commission." Ramesh said that this answer from the ECI, the concern of the opposition has deepened as they feel that what will be the next step of the electoral body. "When the delegation called these rules arbitrary and misleading, the Commission responded: "This is the new Commission." Hearing this, the concern deepens--what will be the next move of this "new" Commission? And how many more "masterstrokes" are yet to be seen? Just as the "demonetization" of November 2016 dealt a severe blow to our economy, similarly, this "voter suppression", which is emerging in the form of SIR in Bihar and other states--will destroy our democracy", Jairam Ramesh said in his 'X' post.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Parliament is not a museum': Congress MP Manickam Tagore slams PM Modi Centre over nameplate installation
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in India New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday strongly criticised the central government, accusing it of bypassing parliamentary procedure and undermining democratic norms , shortly after the Parliament ary Affairs Minister installed a nameplate on the new Parliament a post on X, Tagore aimed at PM Modi and said, "Parliament is not a museum, Mr. Modi. It's where democracy speaks. Let it.""Good that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister finally put a board saying 'Parliament' on the new building. At least now we can be sure which building the government has been avoiding all this while," he further wrote in a referred to a letter signed by 240 MPs, a majority in the Lok Sabha, demanding a special session to discuss the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor , and criticised the government for not responding."When 240 MPs, a majority in the Lok Sabha, wrote to the PM demanding a session to discuss Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, the government responded with... silence. First time in history such a large democratic request was ignored. What's next, ignoring elections?" Tagore asked."Strong words. And our PM? Still on silent mode," he wrote in a he stated, "So we have: A Parliament with a nameplate. No respect for MPs' demands. No statement on foreign leaders claiming to pressure India."Although the government has announced the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Congress leader pointed out the absence of any response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding US President Donald Trump 's claim that he made 14 calls to Modi and allegedly "threatened" him into a upcoming Monsoon session will be the first Parliament session following Operation Sindoor, which was launched by India on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 Budget session of Parliament began on January 31 this year. The Budget Session saw the passage of significant legislation, including the Waqf Amendment will be no Parliament sittings on August 13 and 14 due to Independence Day celebrations.
