Latest news with #DS-160
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: Trump's latest crackdown on students; impeachment motion against Justice Varma; need for India's crypto strategy
Good morning, Covid-19 cases are on the rise once again. In India, fresh cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in at least one sample. Several countries are also reporting Covid-19 surges, with World Health Organisation data showing noticeable increases in South-East Asia. So why this sudden spike? Reasons could possibly range from waning immunity to seasonal patterns. Do you need to be worried? While health officials have said there is no indication that they are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to earlier variants, masking up, maintaining physical distance, and practicing good hygiene can go a long way. With that, let's move on to the top stories from today's edition: 🚨 Big Story In yet another crackdown on international students, the United States administration led by President Donald Trump has asked its embassies and consular sections to 'pause scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants.' Moreover, while the visa application (DS-160) does require the applicant's social media platform and social media identifiers, in its new move, the administration plans to make foreign students undergo social media vetting as part of their application. 'Strictly' for India: Earlier in the day, the US Embassy in India also urged students to adhere to the terms of their visas. 'If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas,' it stated. This comes as India became the top source of international students for the first time since 2008-09 in 2024, with over 3,31,000 students studying in the US, overtaking China. The US administration is also planning to cancel all remaining contracts with Harvard University, worth about $100 million, while finding 'alternative vendors' for future services. Contracts with around nine federal agencies would be affected, including a $49,858 contract with the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of coffee drinking and a $25,800 Homeland Security contract for senior executive training. Uncertainty ahead: This clampdown on federal agencies would also affect researchers at some of India's leading medical colleges and scientific institutions, as the NIH, which funds these research projects in the country, announced it would not issue awards to domestic or foreign entities (new, renewal or non-competing continuation), that include a subaward to a foreign entity. Several scientists and researchers in India, on the condition of anonymity, told us that despite the budgetary constraints and issues, the manner in which grants have been frozen was not appropriate. ⚡ Only in Express Oopalee Operajita, in her Opinion article today, takes on Nirupama Rao's explanation of why Pakistan succeeded in taking control of the narrative during Operation Sindoor. Operajita writes: 'The resounding and almost aesthetic Indian victory — owing to its finesse, brevity, and perfection — of Operation Sindoor robs the West of its inordinately long exercise of hegemony. What is lost is 'the ideological rationale for reducing and reconstituting the (Indian) as someone to be ruled and managed'. That is the inconvenient truth.' 📰 From the Front Page The government is likely to bring an impeachment motion in the upcoming monsoon session against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, which comes after his indictment by the Supreme Court in-house inquiry panel. The then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had recommended initiating impeachment proceedings against the judge to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tej's eclipse: Two days after Lalu Prasad expelled elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from the party and family, the family of the RJD president huddled around younger son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in Kolkata a day earlier to welcome his newborn son, his second child. Receiving the news, Tej seemed ready for truce, offering his wishes to Tejashwi on the birth of his son. A much-awaited son born after six sisters, to a father on the ascendant politically, 37-year-old Tej was done – and undone – by proximity to power. Here's his story. Tariff risk: India's goods exports worth at least $775 million to the United Kingdom continue to face the risk of higher duties under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) despite the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this month. Underlining that CBAM was not part of the India–UK FTA, a UK official said these types of mechanisms usually don't form part of the deal. The carbon tax negotiations are significant, as the UK's CBAM will initially target carbon-intensive products such as iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen, ceramics, glass and cement, with scope to expand the list in future. 📌 Must Read In our Opinion section today, C Raja Mohan pressed on the need for an Indian strategy amid a cryptocurrency collaboration between Pakistan and a firm tied to the Trump family, World Liberty Financial Inc (WLFI). He writes: 'But India should pay close attention to Pakistan's crypto ambitions — especially amid the possible misuse of these digital currencies not controlled by any central bank to fund terror and launder money across borders. Far more consequential, however, is the potential transformation of the global financial order triggered by the Trump administration's new crypto policy.' Even as India negotiates trade agreements with the US and EU, which are both seeking tariff reductions and greater market access for their agricultural products, India's agriculture exports increased from $43.3 billion in 2013-14 to $51.9 billion in 2024-25. Meanwhile, imports have shown steadier expansion from $15.5 billion in 2013-14 to an all-time-high of $38.5 billion in 2024-25, working out to 148%. We explain how the signing of trade pacts with foreign countries would impact India's agricultural export, import and the surplus. ⏳ And Finally… Best not miss: Magnus Carlsen, who abdicated the world champion's throne two years ago, forced the reigning world champion Gukesh to resign in 55 moves in the first round of the Norway Chess tournament on Monday. Invoking the memorable fictional character Omar Little on the HBO show The Wire, Carlsen posted online: 'You come at the king, you best not miss.' It was, indeed, a spicy culmination to a day that started with Carlsen trying to catch Gukesh off guard more than once right at the start. Gukesh's army on the chess board will have another shot at Carlsen's king on June 1, which he best not miss. Lastly, tune in to our latest episode of 3 Things, where we discuss Apple's decision to increase iPhone production in India amid political pushback from the US; breakdown the strategic importance of a hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh, and the brewing protests against it; and finally, delve into Bombay High Court's strong remarks on the arrest and rustication of a Pune engineering student over a social media post related to Operation Sindoor. That's all for today. Have a lovely week ahead! Until next time, Ariba
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Planning to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US? Now is the time to apply for your visa
Indian football fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States must begin their US visa application process immediately, as current wait times updated by US consulates across India roughly stretch up to a year. With the tournament expected to draw millions of international visitors , timely visa planning is essential to avoid last-minute hurdles. US visa wait times across Indian cities According to the timelines given by the US Department of State, wait times for B-1/B-2 tourist visa appointments are significantly long. US has been struggling to cut the visa wait times, that first spiked during the covid pandemic. Since then, the US government has taken multiple sections to help reduce the delay in getting visa appointments. How long is the wait in your city? The B-1/B-2 visas are required for Indian nationals traveling to the US for tourism, which includes attending events such as the FIFA World Cup. The visa process typically involves filling out the DS-160 form online, paying the visa fee, and attending an in-person interview at a US consulate or embassy. The availability of appointment slots can vary, and wait times are influenced by factors such as post-specific demand, staffing, and local processing capacity. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Visa appointments should be scheduled well in advance. According to the US Department of State, wait times for interview appointments vary by location and depend on factors such as consulate staffing and workload. Live Events You Might Also Like: US may bolster consular services, employ AI to meet World Cup visa demand, says Rubio City Average wait time (B-1/B-2) Next available appointment (B-1/B-2) Chennai 11.5 months 13.5 months Hyderabad 7.5 months 7.5 months Kolkata 8 months 8 months Mumbai 7.5 months 9.5 months New Delhi 9 months 9 months FIFA World Cup 2026 The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest edition of the tournament to date. For the first time, the event will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions. It will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 'This important event, taking place during the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of our country, presents an opportunity to showcase the nation's pride and hospitality, while promoting economic growth and tourism through sport,' said US President Donald Trump. 'My Administration will support preparations through a coordinated government effort.' You Might Also Like: Naushad Moosa appointed India U23 men's national football team head coach The US will host 60 of the total 104 matches, including all knockout games from the quarter-finals onwards. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. Host cities in the US include: Atlanta Boston Dalla Houston Kansas City Los Angeles Miami New York/New Jersey Philadelphia San Francisco Bay Area Seattle Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Canada's venues include Toronto and Vancouver. The tournament is expected to attract millions of international visitors, making early visa processing essential. Fans from India planning to attend should consider applying through cities with comparatively shorter wait times or be prepared for long lead times in appointment scheduling.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No more long waits: US opens thousands of slots for this visa type across Indian cities
The US Embassy in India has announced that thousands of student visa appointment slots are available throughout its consulates, which is a major step for Indian students hoping to study in the United States. The goal of this program is to expedite visa processing in advance of the next school year. According to the US Embassy, these appointments are accessible across all US consulates in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. The embassy has provided a link directing applicants to a webpage that displays visa appointment availability by country. This move is in line with the embassy's efforts to streamline the visa process and ensure that students can commence their studies in the US without delays. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti emphasized the significance of student visas, stating that the United States is dedicated to increasing the number of applications it receives from Indian students and values the enduring importance of people-to-people connections. The demand for US education among Indian students remains robust. In 2023, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, more than any other country, marking a record for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the broader US Mission in India processed a record 1.4 million visas in the same year. Read More: Indian e-passport launch: Here's what travellers need to know Before applying for a student visa, applicants must first secure admission to a U.S. university accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which will provide them with a Form I-20. After receiving this form, students must schedule an appointment through the official U.S. Travel Docs website, complete the DS-160 form, and pay the SEVIS fee. The US Embassy urges students to steer clear of third-party agents and use only official sources for information and appointment bookings. This helps maintain transparency and minimizes the chances of receiving incorrect or misleading information. Read more: The Big 5 of India: Where to spot the elephant, tiger, leopard, rhino, and gaur Indian students are encouraged to promptly book their appointments and prepare the necessary documents as soon as visa slots open. The proactive approach by the US Embassy highlights its commitment to fostering educational exchange and strengthening India–US bilateral relations. Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No more long waits: US opens thousands of slots of this visa type across Indian cities
The US Embassy in India has announced that thousands of student visa appointment slots are available throughout its consulates, which is a major step for Indian students hoping to study in the United States. The goal of this program is to expedite visa processing in advance of the next school to the US Embassy, these appointments are accessible across all US consulates in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. The embassy has provided a link directing applicants to a webpage that displays visa appointment availability by country. This move is in line with the embassy's efforts to streamline the visa process and ensure that students can commence their studies in the US without Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti made the statement after stressing the importance of student visas. The United States is committed to accepting more applications from Indian students and recognizes the lasting value of people-to-people interactions, he demand for US education among Indian students remains robust. In 2023, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, more than any other country, marking a record for the third consecutive the broader US Mission in India processed a record 1.4 million visas in the same more: Delhi: Flight delays expected to drop as key runway reopens at Delhi Airport Prior to submitting an application for a student visa, candidates must be accepted into a US university that has been approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which will then issue a Form I-20. Students then need to make an appointment on the official US Travel Docs website, fill out the DS-160 form, and pay the SEVIS US Embassy advises students to avoid third-party agents and rely solely on official channels for information and appointment scheduling. This approach ensures transparency and reduces the risk of more: The Big 5 of India: Where to spot the elephant, tiger, leopard, rhino, and gaur Indian students are urged to move quickly to reserve their appointments and get the required paperwork ready as soon as these visa slots become available. The US Embassy's proactive action demonstrates its dedication to promoting educational exchanges and enhancing India-United States bilateral ties.
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
US Embassy in Tokyo warns: Disclose Social media or no visa
The visa branch of the US Embassy in Tokyo posted a note regarding those applying for a non-immigrant visa (DS-160) on their X handle. The note said that applications must include accurate information regarding the Social Networking Service (SNS) accounts that they have used within the last five years, or they won't be allowed to enter the country. Also read: US visa waiver program: Who is eligible and how to apply? The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have been checking the SNS accounts – such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook – of visa applicants and immigrants since 2019. However, Susanne Heubel, who is the senior counsel at the NY-based immigration law firm Harter Screst & Emery LLP, said in a statement to the media that these searches were 'almost negligible' up until this year's January. Heubel also added in the statement, 'I travel a lot, I have clients who travel a lot, of all sorts of nationalities and visa statuses, and nobody has ever complained about these searches until now.' On the other hand, Jeffrey J. Hall, a Kanda University of International Studies lecturer said, 'The threat of having a visa denied over one's political social media posts feels much more real in 2025.' For Japanese citizens who are planning to apply for a US visa, it is essential to be thorough and accurate while disclosing any information related to their SNS accounts on the DS-160 form. The form should have information regarding all the social media platforms they've used in the last 5 years, even if the accounts have been deactivated or deleted. The U.S. embassy hasn't yet provided information on how detailed the SNS vetting process will eventually be or what types of content might raise any warnings among the officers during the review. Applicants should be aware that their online presence and digital footprint may now play a major role in the visa approval process. Also read: Visament to Launch Visa Assistance Hubs in UK and US by 2025 If you want more information regarding visa requirements, you must visit the U.S. Embassy Tokyo's official website at U.S. Visa Services
