
'A lot of that's going to criminals…': Senators erupt over explosive healthcare fraud revelations - The Economic Times Video
Show more
Show less
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rajasthan bans purchase of foreign goods by three govt departments
Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced a ban on purchasing goods manufactured abroad for officers and employees of the state's Education department, Panchayati Raj department, and Sanskrit Education department. Dilawar said that strict action will be taken against those defaulting on the ban, and the payment for such goods will be recovered from them. He claimed that this move will increase the use of indigenous goods and have a 'positive' impact on the economy. However, any item manufactured only abroad and 'essential' for the departments would be purchased after ministerial approval. The information was shared by the minister through a video from his social media account on Wednesday. He emphasised that the initiative aims to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India vision, while urging people to use indigenous products during Rakshabandhan. 'This holy festival will not only bring joy to your home but also make thousands of Indian families self-reliant,' he said. The minister alleged that many foreign countries, including China, earn profits by selling their products in India but use that money to 'help' Pakistan, naming Operation Sindoor as an example. Stating that Indians use foreign products daily, from shaving blades to toothpaste, Dilwar urged both government departments and the general public to participate in the campaign.


Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Australia's 2026 cap on international students rises to 295,000: New rules, exemptions and what potential applicants must know
In a significant policy update, the Australian government has announced that it will raise its cap on international student enrolments in 2026, increasing the national planning level from 270,000 to 295,000. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the figure still remains about 8% below the immediate post-Covid peak, the move signals a calibrated approach toward expanding international education in line with Australia's broader economic, diplomatic, and housing goals. The updated policy promotes what officials are calling 'managed growth,' combining increased enrolment with strict structural checks to ensure institutions grow sustainably and students have access to quality experiences. How the 295,000 cap is structured across sectors For 2026, the cap has been broken down across institution types: Public universities will be able to admit up to 145,000 new international students. Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers can enrol up to 95,000 students. Private universities have been allocated 30,000 places. These numbers are institution-specific and form part of a quota-based system. Institutions will retain their 2025 allocation into 2026, but may apply for an increase if they demonstrate strong regional partnerships—especially with Southeast Asia—and can provide sufficient student housing. Exemptions that benefit transitioning students Not all students will fall under the national cap. The Australian government has introduced key exemptions to protect students already in the education pipeline: International students transitioning directly from Australian high schools to public universities. Students progressing from TAFE institutions or other pathway providers to university degrees. These exemptions are aimed at ensuring continuity for students who may otherwise face delays or uncertainty due to cap constraints. Visa preferences and regional priorities The government continues to prioritise visa processing for students from select regions, including the Pacific, Timor-Leste, and recipients of government scholarships. These regional preferences align with Australia's larger foreign policy objective of strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and neighbouring countries through education and workforce development. This emphasis is expected to create more streamlined opportunities for students from those regions, while reinforcing the role of education as a soft-power tool in Australia's regional engagement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Institutional flexibility and new oversight Educational institutions seeking to expand beyond their assigned quotas in 2026 will need to meet two major requirements: Demonstrated ties with Southeast Asian nations—either through academic partnerships, student exchange programs, or institutional collaboration. Commitment to adequate student housing, to avoid additional pressure on Australia's already stretched rental markets. To support and monitor this framework, the government plans to operationalise the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, a proposed national body that will help manage and regulate enrolment growth across sectors. Implications for the VET sector While the VET sector has been granted 95,000 places under the new cap, it will also undergo reforms related to visa integrity and admission quality, beginning in 2027. These changes are expected to tighten compliance standards and ensure that international students in vocational programs are enrolling for legitimate educational and career-building purposes. Why the government says this matters Australia's Education Minister has emphasised that international education is more than just an export industry—it plays a critical role in building goodwill, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting economic diversification. The increased cap is designed to provide certainty for institutions and students, while encouraging responsible growth backed by infrastructure and strategic collaboration. The message is clear: while Australia remains open to welcoming international students, the growth must align with national interests—particularly in housing, education quality, and foreign relations. What Indian students should take away For Indian applicants planning to study in Australia in 2026, this policy shift offers both opportunity and guidance: More seats will be available, especially in public universities and VET institutions. Transitioning from Australian schools or TAFE programs will offer a smoother, uncapped pathway. Institutions with strong Southeast Asia ties and on-campus housing may be more likely to offer additional capacity. Visa preferences may not directly benefit Indian applicants unless tied to government-sponsored programs. Students are advised to start early, research institutions that align with the new criteria, and stay updated on further announcements from the Australian education and immigration departments. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .


Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Association to Celebrate Golden Jubilee in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Association will be held on August 6 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in Mangaluru. The inaugural ceremony at 9 a.m. will be presided over by MLA Vedavyas Kamath. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and other elected representatives are expected to attend. As part of the event, the Suvarna Sambhrama Honour, a prestigious lifetime award, will be presented to Dr M Mohan Alva, President of Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda will release a commemorative souvenir marking the occasion. Shivananda Tagadur, President of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists, will release a documentary film based on the Golden Jubilee. Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University, Prof. P.L. Dharma, will distribute awards to winners of the state-level photography competition held as part of the celebrations. A panel discussion on the "Present and Future of Media" will be chaired by Ravi Hegde, Editor-in-Chief of Kannadaprabha and Suvarna News. B. Ravindra Shetty, Resident Editor of Vijaya Karnataka, Mangaluru, and Walter Nandalike, Managing Editor of Daijiworld Pvt. Ltd., will participate as speakers. The valedictory session at 3 p.m. will include a felicitation of former presidents of the association. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka will honour the guests, while Chief Minister's Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar will deliver the concluding address. Also present at the press conference were P.B. Harish Rai (President, Mangaluru Press Club and General Convenor of the Golden Jubilee Committee), Vice President Bhaskar Rai Katta, General Secretary Jitendra Kundeshwar, Treasurer Pushparaj B.N., and State Executive Committee Member Ibrahim Adkasthala.