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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Travel risks for Indians to the USA: Call for an updated GOI advisory
V. Raghunathan is a former Director of the Schulich School of Business (India Program), York University, Toronto, a former professor at IIM Ahmedabad and a former President of ING Vysya Bank. A prolific author, he has written over 15 books, including the national bestseller Games Indians Play (Penguin). With more than 600 published papers and articles, his latest books include The Lion, The Admiral, and A Cat Called B. Uma Vijaylakshmi (Westland, 2025) and To Every Parent; To Every Child (Penguin, 2025) and Irrationally Rational: 10 Nobel Laureates Script the Story of Behavioural Economics (Penguin 2022), among others. LESS ... MORE The US government has periodically issued travel advisories for its citizens visiting India, mainly highlighting safety concerns, terrorism in crowded areas, petty crime, scams, health risks, political unrest, travel restrictions, and natural disasters. India often appears to Americans as a risky place, even warranting hardship allowances for their expatriates here. Now, perhaps the risks faced by Indians traveling to the US far surpass those they encounter in India, and it is high time the government of India started issuing regular advisories for its citizens heading to the land of the 'free'. Despite the allure of higher education, tourism, and family visits, the US has become a minefield of complex laws, social challenges, and unpredictable border policies. Even obtaining a visa can feel like auditioning for 'America's Next Top Suspicion,' with visas rejected on vague grounds of 'immigrant intent,' and entry into the US more perilous than sneaking into Central Park after dark. Indian travellers should be warned about the power of CBP officers to deny entry based on vague feelings, incomplete stories, or the fact that their hair looks suspiciously non-American. Cases of Indians turned back at airports, facing humiliation and trauma with lasting impacts on their records, should be widely documented and publicised. For better or worse, the United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Indians seeking higher education, tourism, family visits, or business opportunities. Yet, beneath the allure of the American dream lurk numerous risks that need highlighting to protect our citizens traveling to what was once considered the land of opportunity. The rapidly changing landscape of US immigration laws, coupled with cultural and social challenges, has been turning the US into a minefield that can ensnare the unwary. Citizens must be made aware that visas can be revoked even after issuance if there is suspicion of violating its terms. They should also be warned that not all US educational institutions are centres of high learning; some have accreditation comparable to roadside pani-puri stands and are more rule than exception. Once revoked, getting back into the US becomes nearly impossible, as fairness, reason, or common sense no longer seem to apply. Additionally, students should be warned that US authorities may be laying active traps, especially since some colleges operate solely to facilitate entry rather than provide genuine education. The notorious fake 'University of Farmington,' set up as a sting operation, exemplifies this danger. Our students must be cautioned to verify the legitimacy and accreditation of educational institutions, as many lack the awareness or resources to do so. Furthermore, they should be made wary of the fluid and unpredictable nature of US immigration policies. Rules governing programs like OPT, H-1B, or SEVIS change faster than British weather in October, as if especially designed to confuse Indians. One day, they might be allowed to work after graduation; the next, they could be deemed criminals for trying to do the same legally. Our prospective students must understand that restrictions on post-study work, retroactive enforcement, and the requirement to finish education within the original timeframe can suddenly derail their career plans in this land of unpredictable policies called the USA. It should be drummed into our travellers that overstaying a visa is most injurious to health. Even a few days' inadvertent overstay can trigger bans of three or ten years, complicating future travel not only to the US but also to other countries that share immigration data. So, that extra week of 'living the American dream' could cost our citizens their future plans. Ignorance isn't bliss; it's a one-way ticket to bureaucratic hell. They must track the expiry date of their visas as if their lives depend on it. They also need to be forewarned that even after landing in the US, celebrations will have to wait. They are now vulnerable to scams. If fraudsters impersonate immigration officials or IRS agents knocking on doors early mornings or demanding money under threats of deportation, they've entered scamsters' paradise. Tell them about the recent deployment of ICE officers in tactical gear, complete with balaclavas, which has further encouraged scammers, turning naïve travellers into sitting ducks. Warn them that the lonely, unfamiliar, and naïve are the favourite targets of American con artists. Our citizens should be advised that while the US is largely a melting pot, it also has a spicy side- racial profiling, hate crimes, and xenophobia. Those in traditional attire or speaking in their native language are more likely to be targeted. That's why our advisory should urge travellers to stay alert, know their rights, and avoid feeding the trolls. Healthcare should also be a key point. Our travellers need to know that the US has no universal and affordable healthcare system like India. Medical treatment is prohibitively expensive, and without comprehensive insurance, even a simple case of the flu could cost more than an entire semester's tuition. Travel insurance will almost never be enough in emergencies. Ensuring proper health coverage through educational institutions or reputable providers is vital, especially given the high costs of medical care. Let citizens know that financial surprises could worsen these difficulties. The cost of living in the US- including rent, utilities, transportation, and food, can far exceed initial estimates. If currency exchange rates fluctuate, last-minute changes occur, or emergency trips are needed, a traveller might find themselves wishing they had a second job just to cover their phone bill. Wait carefully for remittances from India, as they could be delayed or diminish in value, adding to financial stress. Be warned, US authorities are known to take a 'guilt by association' approach- so, ensure you don't hang out with the wrong crowd. Trusting WhatsApp forwards, social media groups, or friends could lead to trouble faster than filth attracts flies. Such sources often contain outdated or inaccurate information, risking inadvertent violations like working illegally or misrepresenting intent during visa interviews. These mistakes can carry severe legal consequences, including bans or deportation. While the Indian government issues broad travel advisories, they often lack the detail needed to navigate the complex US immigration landscape described above. Given the myriad risks, from legal violations and scams to health emergencies and discrimination, India must develop a comprehensive, updated advisory tailored specifically for its citizens traveling to the US. The government of India needs to perk up the US travel advisory. And fast. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
New Statesman
18 hours ago
- Climate
- New Statesman
Who loves the sun?
Photo by Miriam Reik/Millennium Images Early on in life, I noticed something fundamental about myself that I have struggled to make sense of ever since, let alone find a way to explain to other people in clear and comprehensible words: a strange pattern that has travelled with me everywhere. It was the same in Istanbul, it is the same in London. It was the same when I was young, and the same now that I am middle-aged. It goes like this: on sunny days, I feel demoralised, down and depressed, but it is quite the opposite when the weather turns chilly, overcast and gloomy. Give me rain and plenty of grey and I am most upbeat. As soon as the sun peeks through the clouds my soul starts to plummet. This week as London sizzled and temperatures rose I wondered if there are others out there who have always felt the same way. I did not need to look far. Our dog, Romeo, a small Maltese with a huge heart, responds in a similar way to the hot weather. He visibly hates the sun and each morning crawls under a sofa with miserable, melancholy eyes, waiting for the evening to descend. We are nocturnal creatures. But this week, I told Romeo we must change our ways: we must rewire our brains, as the climate crisis is an acute reality that will be worsening with each passing day. I put him on his lead and we went out for a walk to find some inspiration. We saw people sunbathing, playing frisbee and socialising. We saw a man on a bike with a loudspeaker on his back playing Santana's 'Maria, Maria'. We returned an hour later with our tongues lolling out, sulking, in a state of despondency. Temporary reprieve Heatwaves. Hosepipe bans. Water companies systematically failing to invest in infrastructure while pumping sewage into our beloved rivers. Climate destruction is primarily the story of water. This week, an international NGO announced that Kabul was likely to become the first major city to completely run out of water. Seven million people live in the Afghan capital. I stayed at home. I read. I finished Damian Barr's brilliant book The Two Roberts and found it immersive, intelligent, immensely sensual. Nicola Sturgeon's Frankly is a memoir of profound power, honesty, emotional intelligence and humanity from one of our most influential politicians. It touched me, the journey of a shy child from a working-class family becoming Scotland's first female and longest-serving First Minister. Then I dived into Lyse Doucet's The Finest Hotel in Kabul. Everyone should read this book. It is important, insightful, subtle and simply unforgettable. A labour of love Mid-week, I was asked to visit Penguin headquarters in London's Embassy Gardens to give a talk to the employees at Viking. When I entered the room, there was a surprise waiting for me: a beautiful cake, and on it a drop of water with the title of my latest novel, There Are Rivers in the Sky. So many people contribute to the journey of a novel, from cover designers to printers to copy editors and then, when it's been released, booksellers and librarians. Many young people and women work in the publishing world, and they put so much labour and love into making books accessible in this age of hyperinformation and fast consumption. I left the office with much gratitude in my heart. On the wall I was touched to see a small quote from my work: 'Home is Storyland.' Stories to tell It was an immense honour to receive the British Academy President's Medal from Julia Black. On the way home I took a cab. The driver, an immigrant in the UK from Eritrea, was a gentle, mannered person. When he learned I was an author, his face lit up. He told me about his daughter, Betty: 'She will become a writer someday. I know she will.' Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe His wife died suddenly years ago, and he has raised their three children on his own. Betty is the youngest, and the only girl. 'She did not speak for a long time, and then she started writing stories,' he said. 'She loves books – she even talks to them sometimes.' It was very moving to listen to these words from a single father, a hard-working immigrant, doing his best not only to raise his kids but to support their creativity, their talents. We rarely share positive stories of migration. We seldom publicly acknowledge how much immigrants contribute to all areas of life in the UK – from medicine, the economy and the NHS, to small businesses and arts and culture. These stories matter. At home, Romeo was waiting for a walk in the evening, our usual time. [See also: Britain's billionaire tax problem] Related
Geek Dad
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Review – Batman: Detective Comics #1099 – Who Wants to Live Forever?
Batman: Detective Comics #1099 cover, via DC Comics. Ray: The search for Elixir has led Batman and Harvey Bullock abroad – where they picked up an unlikely ally in the Penguin. This is a great team-up – you have one hero, one slightly corrupt cop, and one villain with the exact same goal – to get to the heart of this multi-national conspiracy for immortality. After barely surviving an attack by the sinister Ambrose, they capture the ringleader and Batman has to decide just how far he's willing to go in order to get answers. Bullock is particularly entertaining in this story, and he and Penguin are able to correctly sus out that Ambrose is a bit of a paper tiger. They quickly find out that he's one step below the mastermind – but the man behind the man is not willing to be discovered easily, and he's set up a pretty elaborate trap for everyone who gets close. The problem is, it's not just a trap for outsiders – it's one for him as well. Showdown. Via DC Comics. The Batman comics have often dealt with themes of immortality and the quest for an extended lifespan – obviously, Ra's Al Ghul has pretty much hacked the nature of life and death. But I've rarely seen it explored in such a compelling fashion. Our villain here has become so obsessed with preserving existence that he's forgotten what life actually means – and Batman still finds a way to get under his skin and remind him that he won't be safe forever. Next issue brings us an anniversary issue with several guest talents, and I'm guessing we'll get a kickoff to a new story next. It's a little surprising that this one plot has taken up the entire run so far, but Taylor has found some interesting ways to shift genres while focusing on this one big plot. The ending also has some nice ambiguity to it, as one character makes a surprising decision that proves Elixir may not be gone from Gotham for good. To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week. GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
AsiaOne
a day ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Severance leads 2025 list of Emmy nominations, Entertainment News
PUBLISHED ON July 16, 2025 3:10 AM Severance leads this year's list of Emmy nominations. The psychological thriller series — which is executive-produced and primarily directed by Ben Stiller — has received 27 nominations for its second season, including a nod in the Outstanding Drama Series category. Severance is competing with Andor, The Diplomat, The Last of Us, Paradise, The Pitt, Slow Horses, and The White Lotus for the coveted accolade. Severance star Adam Scott is among the nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. However, he'll face competition from Sterling K Brown, Gary Oldman, Pedro Pascal and Noah Wyle. Britt Lower, Adam's Severance co-star, is up for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The 39-year-old star is competing alongside Kathy Bates, Sharon Horgan, Bella Ramsey and Keri Russell. Elsewhere, The Penguin — a spin-off from the 2022 film The Batman — has received 24 nominations in total, including a nod in the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category. The HBO show — which stars Colin Farrell as the titular character — is competing with Adolescence, Black Mirror, Dying for Sex, and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story for the award. Colin, 49, is among the nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while co-star Cristin Milioti is in contention for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The Penguin's Deirdre O'Connell is competing with Erin Doherty, Ruth Negga, Chloe Sevigny, Jenny Slate and Christine Tremarco for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie award. Meanwhile, The White Lotus — the HBO comedy-drama series — has been nominated for 23 awards, and The Studio — the Seth Rogen-created comedy series that premiered in March — is up for 23 gongs. This year's Emmy Awards ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sept 14, with comedian Nate Bargatze hosting the event. List of nominees: Best Drama Series: Andor The Diplomat The Last of Us Paradise The Pitt Severance Slow Horses The White Lotus Best Comedy Series: Abbott Elementary The Bear Hacks Nobody Wants This Only Murders in the Building Shrinking The Studio What We Do in the Shadows Best Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence Black Mirror Dying for Sex Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story The Penguin Best Television Movie: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy The Gorge Mountainhead Nonnas Rebel Ridge Best Reality Competition Program: The Amazing Race RuPaul's Drag Race Survivor Top Chef The Traitors Best Talk Series: The Daily Show Jimmy Kimmel Live! The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Best Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Saturday Night Live Best Actor in a Drama Series: Sterling K. Brown, Paradise Gary Oldman, Slow Horses Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us Adam Scott, Severance Noah Wyle, The Pitt Best Actress in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates, Matlock Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters Britt Lower, Severance Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us Keri Russell, The Diplomat Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Zach Cherry, Severance Walton Goggins, The White Lotus Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus James Marsden, Paradise Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus Tramell Tillman, Severance John Turturro, Severance Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Colin Farrell, The Penguin Stephen Graham, Adolescence Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent Brian Tyree Henry, Dope Thief Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Patricia Arquette, Severance Carrie Coon, The White Lotus Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt Julianne Nicholson, Paradise Parker Posey, The White Lotus Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Giancarlo Esposito, The Boys Scott Glenn, The White Lotus Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt Joe Pantoliano, The Last of Us Forest Whitaker, Andor Jeffrey Wright, The Last of Us Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Jane Alexander, Severance Gwendoline Christie, Severance Kaitlyn Dever, The Last of Us Cherry Jones, The Handmaid's Tale Catherine O'Hara, The Last of Us Merritt Wever, Severance Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Uzo Aduba, The Residence Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Jean Smart, Hacks Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This Seth Rogen, The Studio Jason Segel, Shrinking Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jeremy Allen White, The Bear Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Ike Barinholtz, The Studio Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons Harrison Ford, Shrinking Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear Michael Urie, Shrinking Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear Hannah Einbinder, Hacks Kathryn Hahn, The Studio Janelle James, Abbott Elementary Catherine O'Hara, The Studio Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary Jessica Williams, Shrinking Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Jon Bernthal, The Bear Bryan Cranston, The Studio Dave Franco, The Studio Ron Howard, The Studio Anthony Mackie, The Studio Martin Scorsese, The Studio Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Olivia Colman, The Bear Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear Cynthia Erivo, Poker Face Robby Hoffman, Hacks Zoë Kravitz, The Studio Julianne Nicholson, Hacks Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer Meghann Fahy, Sirens Rashida Jones, Black Mirror Cristin Milioti, The Penguin Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Bill Camp, Presumed Innocent Owen Cooper, Adolescence Rob Delaney, Dying for Sex Peter Sarsgaard, Presumed Innocent Ashley Walters, Adolescence Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty, Adolescence Ruth Negga, Presumed Innocent Deirdre O'Connell, The Penguin Chloë Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Jenny Slate, Dying for Sex Christine Tremarco, Adolescence [[nid:718413]] celebritiestv seriesmoviesactors and actressesEmmy AwardsAwards and prizes This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
‘The Salt Path' author's next book delayed after ‘distress'
'The Salt Path' is a memoir of resilience and courage that captured the hearts of millions and which was subsequently adapted for the big screen, with actors Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs taking the lead roles. But now, the book and the film are mired in a controversy that could see them suffer that very modern phenomenon — being cancelled. On Friday, publisher Penguin Michael Joseph agreed with author Raynor Winn to delay the publication of her next book, according to long-time specialist magazine The Bookseller. The delay is the latest blowback from a bombshell report in last Sunday's 'The Observer' newspaper in the UK that claimed there was more to the 2018 book than met the eye — that key elements of the story had been fabricated. Author Raynor Winn stands accused of betraying the trust of her readers and of reaping a windfall on the back of lies. Winn accepts 'mistakes' were made, but that the overarching allegations were 'highly misleading.' She has sought legal counsel. Winn's book tells how she and her husband of 32 years, Moth Winn — a well-to-do couple — made the impulsive decision to walk the rugged 630 miles (around 1,000 kilometers) of the South West Coast Path in the southwest of England after losing their house because of a bad business investment. Broke and homeless, the memoir relays how the couple achieved spiritual renewal during their trek, which lasted several months and which saw them carry essentials and a tent on their back. The book also recounts how Moth Winn was diagnosed with the extremely rare and incurable neurological condition, corticobasal degeneration, or CBD, and how his symptoms had abated following the walk. It sold two million copies in the UK, became a regular read at book clubs, spawned two sequels and the film adaptation, which was released this spring, to generally positive reviews. On its website, publisher Penguin described the book as 'an unflinchingly honest, inspiring and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.' That statement was released before the controversy that erupted last Sunday. In a wide-ranging investigation, The Observer said that it found a series of fabrications in Raynor Winn's tale. It said the couple's legal names are Sally and Timothy Walker, and that Winn misrepresented the events that led to the couple losing their home. The newspaper said that the couple lost their home following accusations that Winn had stolen tens of thousands of pounds from her employer. It also said that the couple had owned a house in France since 2007, meaning that they weren't homeless. And perhaps more damaging, the newspaper said that it had spoken to medical experts who were skeptical about Moth having CBD, given his lack of acute symptoms and his apparent ability to reverse them. The book's ability to engender empathy from its readers relied on their personal circumstances. Without those hooks, it's a very different tale. As a writer of what was represented as a true story, Winn had to attest to her publisher that the book was a fair and honest reflection of what transpired. Any memoir may have omissions or hazy recollections. But making things up are a clear no-no. In the immediate aftermath, Winn made a brief comment on her website about the 'highly misleading' accusations and insisted that the book 'lays bare the physical and spiritual journey Moth and I shared, an experience that transformed us completely and altered the course of our lives. This is the true story of our journey.' She fleshed out her response on Wednesday, describing the previous few days have been 'some of the hardest of my life,' while acknowledging 'mistakes' in her business career. Associated Press
