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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
US fixed-term F-1, J-1 visas may disrupt studies for 4 lakh Indian students
The United States is preparing to overhaul how long international students can stay, replacing the open-ended 'duration of status' rule with fixed-term F-1 and J-1 visas. At present, students can remain in the country as long as they are enrolled in their course. The proposed rule would instead impose a strict end date, regardless of programme length, forcing some to renew their visa mid-course. The Department of Homeland Security has cleared the proposal through White House review. It will now move to a public comment stage before implementation. Why this matters for Indian students Indian students are the largest international cohort in US universities, with more than 420,000 enrolled in 2024. Many pursue multi-year programmes such as master's degrees, PhDs or long-term research. A fixed-term rule could cut across these timelines, creating the risk of visa expiry mid-semester. 'For thousands of international students, especially from India, this could mean a shift in how they plan their academic journeys,' said Ritesh Jain, co-founder of LaunchEd Global. 'For students in PhDs, combined bachelor's–master's degrees, or integrated courses that span four to seven years, a fixed-term visa could add uncertainty. Instead of being assured of staying until the programme ends, students might have to apply for extensions midway – introducing stress at a critical stage in their academic work,' said Jain. Dr Hitesh Bhatia, professor at Navrachana University, Vadodara, said research-heavy fields would be hit hardest. 'This could disrupt research timelines, delay graduation, and limit opportunities for students—particularly from countries like India—seeking advanced degrees in applied sciences, engineering, technology, and data analytics.' Financial and administrative strain The proposed change also raises cost and compliance issues. 'If extensions are needed, students will face extra application fees, legal expenses, and paperwork. More importantly, the waiting period for approvals could cause interruptions in study or research,' said Jain. Mamta Shekhawat, founder of study abroad platform said repeated immigration filings could divert valuable time and resources from studies. 'It may involve securing representation or repeated interactions with immigration authorities, potentially impacting students' ability to complete their studies in the US,' she said. Shekhawat added that other countries link stay duration directly to course completion, making them more predictable destinations. 'The prospect of forced, mid-programme visa renewals in the US may drive highly qualified applicants elsewhere.' Impact on internships and OPT Optional Practical Training (OPT) and internships are tightly bound to visa validity. Any gaps could jeopardise these opportunities. 'Fixed-term visas could shorten or complicate the post-completion window available for OPT, require separate extension filings, or create gaps between graduation and permissible work start dates,' said Prof M A Venkataramanan, pro vice-chancellor at FLAME University. Shekhawat warned that employers might avoid offering placements if paperwork is uncertain. Venkataramanan said Indian students, given their large numbers, would feel a disproportionate impact. Families will need to factor in: • Additional extension and legal fees • Risk of mid-programme disruption • Potential loss or delay of OPT income and job offers • Reputational risk for universities where multiple cohorts require extensions How to plan ahead Indian students considering the US should begin preparing for possible changes by: • Tracking updates from US consulates and university advisories • Budgeting for mid-programme renewals, including time and cost • Speaking with academic advisers early to adjust timelines or consider deferrals • Joining student associations to voice concerns during the public comment period
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Two independent studies indicate alarming levels of silent toxins in Gujarat's lifelines
Vadodara: The Narmada and Mahi — two of Gujarat's most vital rivers — are now carrying an invisible but growing burden: toxic heavy metals and microscopic plastic debris. New scientific studies reveal that these pollutants are infiltrating the food chain, threatening aquatic biodiversity and human health alike. In separate investigations, researchers from M S University's Department of Zoology and Navrachana University's (NUV) School of Science have detected worrying levels of contaminants in river water, sediment, and fish tissues. The Navrachana University team examined ten sites along the Mahi River — Khandi, Dodka, Anagad, Kotna Beach, Mahi River Bridge, Sindhrot, Umraya, Dabka, Mahmadpura, and Karakhadi — analysing water samples and six fish species for six key heavy metals like nickel, chromium, lead, manganese, zinc, and arsenic. They also analysed the water for presence of microplastics. "The study was carried out on six adult fish species, including the Glossogobius giuris, Puntius sophore, Macrognathus aculeatus, Mugil cephalus, Labeo rohita, and Salmostoma phulo," said Dr Parth Pandya, associate professor at NUV. "It revealed that the highest chromium metal concentration was in Salmostoma phulo and of nickel (16.66) in Labeo rohita (also known as rohu)," said Pandya, who led the team that included faculty members Monisha Kottayi, Ankita Doshi, and students — Prince Upadhyay, Rahul Ladumor, Vyomil Patel, and Tejas Gurjar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your donations can help this little boy see again clearly Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Zinc was consistently high across all sites, with Anagad topping the charts. while Sindhrot and Khandi were identified as the most polluted sites based on the metal pollution load index, states the study published in the reputed journal – Springer Nature. "As carcinogenic risks from nickel and arsenic are exceeding safe thresholds, children are especially vulnerable," said Pandya, adding that the results call for urgent environmental monitoring, regulatory measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate pollution and safeguard freshwater biodiversity and community health. The MSU team, led by Dr Dhaval Bhatt and Dr Niketa Mehta, assistant professors at the Faculty of Science, found a significant presence of microplastic particles in the stomachs of two important fish species inhabiting the estuarine belt of the Narmada river. "We carried out the study on the mullet fish (mugil cephalus, also known as boi) and the mudskipper (levati) fish Boleophthalmus dussumieri. These fish species are not only economically but also ecologically important. They act as the middle link in the food chain," said Bhatt, who supervised the study carried out by MSc final year students — Priyanshu Kumar and Yashvi Reshamkar. "Though common, mullet fish found in the Narmada river's estuarine belt is highly useful for agriculture, fishing, and as a local food. It obtains nutrients from the bottom. We collected 100 samples of mullet fish, after which their digestive tract was analysed. Surprisingly, microplastic particles were found in every sample — the total number ranged from 33 to 96, and an average of 61.5 particles were found per fish," said Bhatt. The study on mudskipper also revealed shocking results. Mudskipper is a unique type of amphibious fish that lives on both land and water and has a slime coating on its body. "During the study, 274 microplastic particles were recorded, with an average of 5.48 particles per fish. Mudskippers mainly feed on algae, organic matter, and detritus from mud, and are constantly in contact with the bottom. Therefore, they are more sensitive to the effects of microplastics," he said. --- BOX: What are microplastics? Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. The widespread use of plastics and their non-degradable nature have turned microplastics into a serious environmental challenge globally. Microplastics not only cause damage to aquatic life but also act as carriers of toxic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms. --- POINTERS 1: TOXIC PLASTIC PERIL IN NARMADA ESTUARY FISH Narmada estuary — a vital meeting point of salt and fresh water — is facing heavy pollution pressure Human settlements, industries, and farm runoff contribute to contamination Microplastics found in Mugil cephalus (mullet) and Boleophthalmus dussumieri (mudskipper) Both fish are bottom-feeders, increasing exposure to plastic particles All 100 mullet fish tested contained microplastics — average 61.5 particles per fish Majority of particles were pieces (52.6%) and filaments (35.8%) Main sources: household laundry and fishing nets Black particles dominated (62.7%), mostly from tyres, rubber, packaging 82% of particles were smaller than 2 mm — indicating long-term ingestion Common polymers detected: polyurethane (PU), polyamide, polystyrene —mainly used in foam packaging, footwear, and construction products Mudskippers contained 274 microplastic particles in total — average 5.48 per fish Most particles in mudskippers were 0.5–1 mm in size POINTERS 2: MAHI'S HIDDEN HEAVY METAL POLLUTION CRISIS Alarming levels of heavy metals and microplastics detected in the Mahi Zinc concentrations (0.104–0.204 ppm) found across 10 locations; Anagad highest Sindhrot and Khandi (near Vadodara) ranked most polluted on the metal pollution index Fish salmostoma phulo showed highest chromium bioconcentration Labeo rohita (rohu) had highest nickel accumulation Microplastics (0.5–4 mm) detected in both water and fish Plastic types: threads (56%), fragments (31%), films (13%) Common polymers: polypropylene, polystyrene, polyacrylic, nylon Nickel and arsenic levels above safe limits — children at high risk --- Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). 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