Latest news with #OverseasCitizenshipofIndia
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on G7, Bank of International Settlements and more (Week 113)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holder: 1. is essentially a foreign passport holder. 2. can get a life-long visa for visiting India. 3. not exempted from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in the country. 4. The United Kingdom has the maximum number of registered OCI card holders. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 3 and 4 only Explanation — British-Indian academic and author Nitasha Kaul, who teaches at the University of Westminster in London, said that her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status has been cancelled. What is OCI? — The OCI scheme, which was implemented in August 2005, allows for the registration of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on January 26, 1950, or later, or who were eligible to become citizens of India on that date. — An OCI card bearer, essentially a foreign passport holder, is granted a multiple-entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India and is exempt from registration with local police authorities for any duration of stay in the country. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is not correct. — According to government figures, there were over 45 lakh registered OCI card holders from 129 countries in 2023. The United States led the list with more than 16.8 lakh OCI card holders, followed by the United Kingdom (9.34 lakh), Australia (4.94 lakh), and Canada (4.18 lakh). Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries are members of the South American trading bloc 'MERCOSUR'? 1. Brazil 2. Chile 3. Paraguay 4. Uruguay Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 Explanation — The visiting President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, was told by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the two countries are 'united in the fight against terrorism' and can work together to combat 'shared challenges' like cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking. — India and Paraguay are unified in their fight against terrorism. There is enormous potential for collaboration in combating common threats such as cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking. — The Prime Minister also mentioned New Delhi's advantageous trade relationship with the South American trading bloc MERCOSUR, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Uruguay. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the Indian tourists in the Philippines, consider the following statements: 1. There has been a decline in Indian tourists visiting the archipelago over the past few years. 2. The number of Indian nationals visiting the archipelago in 2024 decreased year-on-year and was approximately 50 per cent lower than the 2022 levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Air India, part of the Tata Group, has announced that non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila would begin on October 1, connecting the Indian and Philippine capitals for the first time in almost a decade. Philippine Airlines discontinued non-stop flights between India and the Philippines in 2013, citing poor demand. — The declaration by Air India follows the Philippines' decision to waive visa requirements for Indian tourists for up to 14 days, joining other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. — The Philippines, which has some of the best beaches and beautiful islands, has experienced a significant increase in Indian visitors visiting the archipelago over the last few years. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — According to figures from the Philippines' tourist authority, the number of Indian nationals visiting the archipelago in 2024 increased 12.4% year on year to around 79,000. The figure was around 53% greater than 2022 levels. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the Group of Seven (G7), consider the following statements: 1. The Group was established as a platform for economic and financial cooperation in response to the 1973 energy crisis. 2. The European Union participates in the Group and is represented at the summits by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. 3. G7 host countries can not invite countries as guest countries or outreach partners. 4. The G7 expanded into the G8 between 1997 and 2013, with the inclusion of China. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Hours after inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to this month's G7 meeting in Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney used India's status as the world's fifth-largest economy as justification for the invitation. Canada's action is viewed as a step towards mending relations between the two countries, which had suffered a dramatic decline under the former prime minister, Justin Trudeau. About G7 — The Group was established as a platform for economic and financial cooperation in response to the 1973 energy crisis. The first Summit of Heads of State and Government was held in 1975 in Rambouillet, France. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum that includes Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The European Union also participates in the Group, and the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission attend the summits. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The EU does not have the rotating chairmanship of the G7. — Between 1997 and 2013, the G7 evolved into the G8, which now includes Russia. However, Russia's participation was suspended in 2014 due to the unlawful annexation of Crimea. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. — Usually, G7 host countries invite some countries as guest countries or outreach partners. Canada had so far invited Ukraine and Australia. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the Temporary Protected Status (TPS), consider the following statements: 1. It is a temporary immigration status provided to nationals of certain countries experiencing problems that make it difficult or unsafe for their nationals to be deported there. 2. Recently, the US has terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provided to Nepal. 3. It provides a work permit and protection from deportation to foreign nationals from those countries who are in the United States at the time the U.S. government makes the designation. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — According to a media source, the United States has terminated Nepal's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) following the 2015 earthquake. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — TPS allows immigrants from designated countries who do not have another legal status to stay in the United States for up to 18 months and obtain lawful work authorisation if their social circumstances prevent them from returning safely. — TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain countries who face issues that make deportation difficult or risky. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — It is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of particular countries who are experiencing an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or extreme and temporary circumstances. It grants foreign citizens from those nations a work permit and protection from deportation if they are in the United States at the time the government announces the designation. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to Golden Dome missile defence system, consider the following statements: 1. It is inspired by Israel's much lauded Iron Dome system — a short-range, ground-to-air, air defence system. 2. It has been in the news since Russia used it against Ukraine, which ultimately led to NATO's sanctions. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — US President Donald Trump has offered the 'Golden Dome' missile defence system for free to Canada, which had shown interest after the Republican leader announced it but added a rider that Ottawa can have it without paying any charge 'if it becomes part of the US' 51st State'. — First floated by Trump this January, the Golden Dome is inspired by Israel's much lauded Iron Dome system — a short-range, ground-to-air, air defence system. But it is far more ambitious in scale and scope, and seeks to integrate 'next-generation' technologies across land, sea, and even space. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, consider the following statements: 1. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has represented India as a Member State of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences since 1998. 2. The International Institute of Administrative Sciences is a Federation of 31 Member Countries. 3. While the IIAS is not a formally affiliated body of the UN, it actively engages with the UN's work in public administration. 4. In the 100 years history of IIAS, election to the post of President was held by ballot process in 2025 and it is the first time that India has secured the historic mandate for the Presidency of the IIAS. Which of the statements mentioned above is/are true? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has represented India as a Member State of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences since 1998. The International Institute of Administrative Sciences is a Federation of 31 Member Countries, 20 National Sections and 15 Academic Research Centres jointly collaborating for scientific research on public administration. Key member countries include – India, Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, Indonesia etc. — The IIAS maintains a close working relationship with the United Nations, and participates in the UN's Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN). While the IIAS is not a formally affiliated body of the UN, it actively engages with the UN's work in public administration. — This is the first time in the 100 years history of IIAS that the election to the post of President was held by ballot process and it is the first time that India has secured the historic mandate for the Presidency of the IIAS. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Source: pib) With reference to Bank of International Settlements (BIS), consider the following statements: 1. It is owned by the European Union and it deals with countries from around the world that together account for about 95% of world GDP. 2. Its head office is in Basel, Switzerland. Which of the above given statements is/are true? 1 only 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to BIS website: — Established in 1930, the BIS is owned by 63 central banks, representing countries from around the world that together account for about 95% of world GDP. Its head office is in Basel, Switzerland and it has two representative offices: in Hong Kong SAR and in Mexico City, as well as Innovation Hub Centres around the world. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 112) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
NBEMS to issue FMGE pass certificates for December 2024 session: Check official notice here
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released a notice regarding the distribution of pass certificates of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) December 2024 session. The pass certificates to candidates were issued from February 24 to May 23, 2025 after the verification process. However, candidates who were unable to collect their certificates can now do it as per the new schedule released by NBEMS. As per the schedule, the distribution of FMGE certificates will be done between June 11 to July 16, 2025. Distribution of FMGE pass certificates The FMGE pass certificates for December 2024 session will be distributed as per the roll number wise schedule released by FMGE. Candidates can check the official notice issued by NBEMS here: Distribution of FMGE pass certificates 2024 notice Check roll number wise schedule here: FMGE December 2024 Roll Number Schedule of Certificate Collection From 2411200001 to 2411207622 June 11, 2025 From 2411207628 to 2411215299 June 18, 2025 From 2411215307 to 2411222940 June 25, 2025 From 2411222946 to 2411230743 July 2, 2025 From 2411230746 to 2411238465 July 9, 2025 From 2411238468 to 2411246184 July 16, 2025 Required documents for collection Candidates must present the following original documents at the time of collection: FMGE December 2024 Admit Card Passport (including all old passports) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card, if applicable Primary Medical Qualification Degree Certificate, duly apostilled or attested by the Indian Embassy Eligibility Certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC) Valid photo identity proof (Voter ID, PAN card, Driving Licence, or Aadhaar Card) Self-declaration form (available in the entry slip) Printed entry slip downloaded from the NBEMS website Candidates also have to undergo biometric verification, including fingerprint and facial recognition. It is advised to avoid applying henna or any substances on fingers that might interfere with biometric scanning. For more information about FMGE examination, candidates are advised to visit the official NBEMS website . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Accept OCI booklet as identity proof for processing legal heirship application, HC directs Tahsildar
The Madras High Court has directed Egmore Taluk Tahsildar in Chennai to process the legal heirship certificate application filed by a woman by accepting her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) booklet as identity proof instead of insisting upon production of Aadhaar card. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy pointed out that the writ petitioner Manel Amrithkala's husband had died at a private hospital in Chennai on March 5, 2025 and therefore, she wanted to obtain a certificate declaring herself and her two sons as the legal heirs of the deceased. However, since all three of them were residing abroad, they were not in possession of Aadhaar cards. The petitioner also found that she could not make an online application for the issuance of legal heirship certificate unless she entered her Aadhaar card details in the portal. Relying upon a Central government order which requires State government to accept OCI registration booklets as identity proof for the services to be rendered to them, the judge directed the Tahsildar to process the physical application filed by the petitioner and pass appropriate orders within four weeks.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who is Nitisha Kaul, Indian-origin professor to lose OCI status for ‘anti-India' activity?
Indian-origin professor Nitasha Kaul, revealed on May 18, that the government of India had cancelled her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, citing 'anti-India' activities. In a series of posts on X, she wrote, 'IMPORTANT NOTE - I received a cancellation of my #OCI (Overseas Citizenship of #India) today after arriving home. A bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of #TNR (transnational repression) punishing me for scholarly work on anti-minority & anti-democratic policies of #Modi rule.' Also Read: Why was UK writer Nitasha Kaul denied entry to India? MEA clarifies She added, 'Modi BJP govt humiliated themselves & insulted non-BJP Karnataka state govt that invited me last year by ill-treating me & in spite of my 20,000 word response to their ridiculous inanity about 'anti-India', they have chosen to do this by a rigged process.' The UK-based academician was referring to an incident in February last year, when she was denied entry into India after being invited for an event by the Karnataka state government. She accused the Centre of denying her entry due to her anti-RSS stance. Also Read: 'Calculated harassment': Ashoka University faculty on Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad's arrest over Op Sindoor remarks In a post on X, Kaul said regarding her OCI status, 'Will overseas PR delegations of GOI say why 'mother of #democracy' denies me access to my mother? This is thin-skinned, petty insecurity with no respect for well-intentioned dissent that arrests/imprisons citizens in India & bars access to family for overseas citizens of #India.' The notice sent by the government of India stated that Kaul had repeatedly attacked India's sovereignty in international forums and on social media. Kaul, who is a Kashmiri Pandit, had testified against the Indian government in 2019 at the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, over 'human rights violations' in Jammu and Kashmir. Nitasha Kaul is a professor of politics, international relations, and critical interdisciplinary studies at the University of Westminster in London. Kaul has a BA Honours in economics from SRCC, Delhi University, and a masters in Economics with a specialisation in Public Policy, and a Joint PhD in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Hull, UK (2003). Also Read: Who is Renu Bhatia, woman behind the action against Ashoka University professor? From 2002 to 2007, she worked as an assistant professor of economics at the Bristol Business School. In 2010, she worked as an associate professor in creative writing at the Royal Thimphu College in Bhutan. Nitisha Kaul is also a novelist, writer, and a poet. Her first book was a scholarly monograph on economics and philosophy titled 'Imagining Economics Otherwise: encounters with identity/difference' (Routledge, 2007). Nitasha Kaul also co-edited 'Can you Hear Kashmiri Women Speak? Narratives of Resistance and Resilience' (Women Unlimited, 2020). She has repeatedly spoken out against Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led government on her social media.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Indian-origin professor who lost OCI tag testified against India on Kashmir in US
A Britain-based academic and professor, Nitasha Kaul, shared that the Government of India cancelled her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status. The notice from the Government of India cited her "anti-India activities" as the reason for revoking her OCI status, accusing her of being motivated by malice and repeatedly attacking India's sovereignty in international forums and on social media. The Kashmiri Pandit academician had, in fact, testified against the Indian government at the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs in 2019 over "human rights violations" in May 18, Nitasha Kaul shared a part of the government notice on X: "...and whereas it has been brought to the notice of the Government of India that you have been indulging in anti-India activities, motivated by malice and complete disregard for facts or history."The notice added, "Through your numerous inimical writings, speeches, and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms, you regularly target India and its institutions on the matters of India's sovereignty."A section of people on social media supported the government's move to cancel Kaul's OCI status, saying that she "didn't deserve any kind of access to India".In 2024, Kaul was deported within hours of landing at the Bengaluru international airport. She was travelling at the invitation of the Congress-led Karnataka government, and her deportation triggered a massive WITNESS IN US HOUSE COMMITTEE AGAINST INDIA ON ARTICLE 370advertisementOn October 22, 2019, Nitasha Kaul served as one of the key witnesses at a United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing about the human rights situation in Jammu and was after the revocation of Article 370 in August that year, which revoked the special autonomous status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under the Indian Constitution and the bifurcation of the state into two union is a professor of Politics, International Relations, and Critical Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Westminster in London. The university shared her testimony on its website."Human rights are being flouted in both Indian and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India claims Jammu and Kashmir to be an integral part but continues to show a profound contempt for people of the same Kashmir and deny them basic human rights," Kaul wrote in the testimony."The Indian response to Kashmiri protests – peaceful or violent – has been more state violence," she also alleged the "commemoration of one massacre on another".She then questioned the revocation of Article 370."What changed on 5 August 2019... known as Jammu and Kashmir under the Indian constitution – that had de jure autonomous statehood?... In fact, this act was preceded by a complete lockdown in the state," she continuing action of India does not reflect a democratic practice but an authoritarian colonial power," according to her testimony. "Thousands of young persons, including children, have been arrested, and some of them sent to prisons in far-off places of India, preventing their parents from visiting them without considerable hardship."NITAHSA KAUL, A FORMER STUDENT OF DELHI UNIVERSITYNitasha Kaul is a faculty member in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster. Kaul graduated from Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), and did her Master's and PhD from the UK's Hull a post on May 18, she referred to the incident from 2024 when she was deported within hours of landing at the Bengaluru airport, and called it an "insult" to the non-BJP Karnataka state government that had invited was invited by the Karnataka government to speak at a convention, but she alleged that immigration officials refused entry to her by "informally" making "references" to her "criticism of the RSS"."Denied entry to India for speaking on democratic & constitutional values. I was invited to a conference as (an) esteemed delegate by (the) Govt of Karnataka (Congress-ruled state) but (the) Centre refused me entry. All my documents were valid & current (UK passport & OCI)," the Kashmiri Pandit academician posted after the incident in OCI status, which she referred to in her post, now stands Watch
