Latest news with #RaghavSharma
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Complaint against YouTuber, astrologer for remarks on Meghalaya tribals
Shillong: An activist has complained to police against a YouTuber and an astrologer who reportedly claimed in a post that tribals in Meghalaya still practise human sacrifice. A police officer said a case has been registered. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The activist, Enlang, also petitioned the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), seeking action against the two. Enlang, in his complaint, said the video posted on June 13 with defamatory remarks has maligned the tribal communities of Meghalaya. The YouTube channel, hosted by content creator Raghav Sharma, featured astrologer Sushil Guru. In the broadcast, the guru allegedly claimed that "Meghalaya tribals still practice human sacrifice and cannibalism". The complainant claimed that the video with "hate speech" has gone viral. The petitioner asserted that the statement is not only false and derogatory but also designed to incite communal hatred and tarnish the scheduled tribe communities in Meghalaya. The NCST has not yet issued an official response. PTI
Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
LU, Nat'l PG College hold UG entrance tests for BBA, LLB & BSc
1 2 Lucknow: Lucknow University and National PG College conducted their undergraduate entrance tests on Thursday, drawing strong attendance across courses. At Lucknow University, the BBA entrance exam saw 5,232 registered candidates with 75% attendance, while 6,791 students appeared for the LLB (5-year integrated course) with 77% attendance. National PG College also held its entrance tests the same day, with 842 of 1,010 BA applicants present and 431 of 512 BSc (Mathematics) candidates attending. Results for NPGC are expected to be announced on July 12 and 13. Aarushi Singh, a BBA aspirant, said, "The paper was overall balanced. English and general knowledge were fine, but the reasoning section was a bit tricky and needed extra time. I think I managed it okay, but I'll feel better once the results are out." Raghav Sharma, an LLB aspirant, said, "Legal aptitude was really tough this year. Some questions were confusing and needed very careful reading. I think many of us felt the pressure. But the rest of the paper was fair." Mehak Verma, a BA candidate at NPGC, said, "I found the paper manageable overall. The general knowledge section was actually easier than I thought it would be. I was a little nervous at first, but once I started writing, it felt better." Aditya Patel, a BSc maths candidate at NPGC, said, "The math section was pretty lengthy and needed good time management."
India Today
24-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Are foreign degrees losing their shine? Indian students now do the maths
Until a few years ago, an international degree was the ultimate aspiration for Indian students. It symbolized opportunity, prestige, and a gateway to global careers. But today, that glitter is fading. In 2024–25, Indian students are hitting pause on their study-abroad dreams not due to a lack of ambition, but because of shifting immigration policies, rising education costs, and increasing uncertainty around post-study work visas. From Canada's permit caps to the UK's crackdown on dependents, the post-graduation promise is no longer what it used to went abroad hoping for a better life. "I came back two years later with debt and a broken dream,' says Raghav Sharma, who recently returned from the UK after finishing his Master's in Business Analytics.A DOWNTURN IN OUTBOUND NUMBERSAccording to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the number of Indian students going abroad fell from 893,000 in 2023 to 759,000 in early 2024 a 15% dip, despite global universities actively recruiting from India. Canada alone saw a 41% drop, while the UK and Australia dipped by 28% and 12% respectively. Even the US, long seen as the most secure and aspirational choice, recorded a 13% decline in new student visas issued. This trend points not to waning interest in foreign education but rather growing caution. 'The single biggest factor now is ROI (Return on Investment). Students are asking, 'Will I get to work? "Will I earn enough to repay my loan?' That's a shift from even five years ago,' says education consultant Rajiv Jha, who helps students apply to universities across the US, UK, and VISA CRUNCH: A REALITY CHECKadvertisementIn 2024, traditional study-abroad destinations drastically tightened rules:Canada introduced an international student cap, raised financial requirements to CAD 20,635, and implemented a stricter English proficiency doubled its visa fee and introduced higher financial proof hiked the Skilled Worker salary threshold to 38,700 and banned most international students from bringing F-1 visa issuances saw a 38% drop compared to 2023, and OPT (Optional Practical Training) remains under political of these changes chips away at the one thing students crave most: HUMAN COST OF UNCERTAINTYSeveral Reddit threads and student forums paint a sobering picture of life after studying abroad, especially in countries like the UK and Canada. Many Indian students share stories of intense financial pressure, struggling to make ends meet with low-paying part-time jobs that barely cover rent and food. Others describe declining physical and mental health, with some experiencing burnout, weight loss, or chronic stress from the uncertainty of their post-study future.A recurring concern is the limited availability of visa-sponsored jobs, which leaves students feeling trapped forced to return home with mounting debt and little to show for their investment. These accounts reflect a growing sentiment: a foreign degree no longer guarantees stability, success, or even survival abroad. AI generated A PIVOT TO EUROPE, UAE, AND BEYONDAmidst the gloom, a new geography is emerging. Germany, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands are fast becoming the go-to destinations. Germany alone saw a 68% rise in Indian students, thanks to affordable education, robust post-study pathways, and clear PR frameworks. In Lucknow, Europe has replaced the US as the top pick for study abroad among many young aspirants. 'It's more realistic,' says Shubham Verma, who's preparing to study in France. 'I don't want to spend 1 crore on a US degree only to worry about my visa later.'The UAE, too, is rising as a preferred choice, especially Dubai, offering proximity, job opportunities, and a multicultural setup without the rigid Western visa HEALTH AND ISOLATION: THE INVISIBLE STRAINWhile the economic argument gets most attention, few talk about the psychological toll. 'We see students who are emotionally burned out. They're isolated, overworked, and often exploited in gig jobs to survive,' says Dr. Neha Arora, a psychologist who works with South Asian students. 'The expectations is high, but support systems are weak. When they don't 'make it,' they spiral into shame and anxiety.'advertisementCOUNSELLORS WARN: CHOOSE SMART, NOT SHINYSo, is the dream of studying abroad dead? Not quite. But it's evolving. Today's students are advised to prioritise immigration-friendly destinations, affordable degrees, and strong local job markets over sheer brand value. 'Don't chase the Ivy League if it leaves you broke and jobless,' says Rajiv Jha. 'Look at ROI, not just reputation.'He suggests comparing programs on metrics like:Cost vs average post-study salaryVisa and PR optionsInternship supportWork-hour flexibility during studyFROM ASPIRATION TO STRATEGYThe shine of a foreign degree hasn't vanished, but the blind chase is over. Indian students are entering a new era where the degree is not the goal, but a means to a practical, sustainable career path. As the global education landscape evolves, so must our strategies. Because in 2025, the smart student isn't the one who crosses the ocean it's the one who checks the visa fine print before buying a ticket.- EndsTune InYou May Also Like
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Ahead, a week that will feel like monsoon in Gurgaon
1 2 Gurgaon: From slow-moving traffic and widespread waterlogging to traffic chaos, a fresh spell of moderate rain on Tuesday exposed the city's fragile infrastructure, while bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat in the city. The downpour caused significant disruptions across the city. This is not monsoon, rather it's a precursor to monsoon rain. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the monsoon is set to hit the region by June-end. It has, however, not specified the exact arrival date. It has also said that the rainfall through the next few days will keep the temperature around 30 degrees Celsius. IMD recorded 25 mm of rainfall by 5.30pm on Tuesday. This change prompted IMD to issue an orange alert in south Haryana, including Gurgaon, for thunderstorms, lightning with heavy rain and gusty winds of 30-40 km/hour until 8.14pm. The rain led to heavy waterlogging and traffic mess. At the time of filing this story, the city was witnessing light rain in some areas and drizzle in others. The continuous rain also caused water accumulation in low-lying areas, particularly around Sohna Road, Golf Course Extension and parts of Old Gurgaon. Commuters faced slow-moving traffic as waterlogged stretches made navigation difficult during peak evening hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Key roads — such as Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, MG Road and several internal sectors, including 9, 21, 23 and Palam Vihar — were submerged, making commuting difficult. Traffic congestion was witnessed from Hero Honda Chowk to CPR as the side carriageway was flooded. Residents voiced their frustration over the recurring issues. Raghav Sharma, a commuter traveling from Delhi to Gurgaon, said, "Every time it rains, the national highway gets choked. I saw people pushing their cars through a flooded area near Narsingpur." Arjun Kapoor, a resident of Sector 62, sarcastically remarked, "Oh, it's 2025, and welcome to Gurgaon—where a 5-minute drizzle still earns us a generous 8-hour power cut. Because, you know, who needs electricity in a 'millennium city'?" "The stormwater drains are choked with garbage and plastic. It's the same story every year — flooded roads and water seeping into our homes," said Girish Agarwal, a resident of Sector 23. While residents started the day with a light drizzle and overcast skies, it was the moderate showers later in the day that had a more visible impact — both pleasant and problematic. The minimum temperature settled at 26.7°C, about 1.5 degrees lower than the day before. Despite the drizzle, humidity levels rose to 81%, making conditions indoors muggy and prompting many to rely on air conditioning. The maximum temperature was 34.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, which was 0.5 degrees lower than the previous day. IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with the likelihood of more rain or thunderstorms. With the weather expected to remain unsettled, residents are advised to keep an umbrella handy — and be prepared for both cool breezes and clogged roads. "Light to moderate rain is likely at a few places on June 17, 18 and 23; at many places from June 20 to 22; and at isolated places on June 19 in the state. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) are likely at isolated places from June 17 to 22. Heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely on June 17 and from June 20 to June 22 in the state," an IMD official said.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Fall of Solahkhambi pillars: Conservation efforts by state raise eyebrows of experts
Bhopal: The pillars of 'Solahkhambi', a Paramar era creation with a startling visual resemblance to the Greek Acropolis, were built in the 10th-11th century. They stood tall, facing the vagaries of nature for thousands of years, but are now grounded. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They are set to be erected soon under a 'conservation' effort by the state archaeology department. This effort has raised eyebrows, leading to concerns from conservation enthusiasts and experts. A short drive from the state capital, Bhopal, the Solahkhambi site is situated in Bihar Kotra village of Rajgarh district, around 3 kilometres from Chidikoh Bird Sanctuary. Although the name suggests 16 pillars, the structure had 14 pillars mounted on a platform, which stood for thousands of years until last week when they were 'opened' or brought down. The site is a protected area under the state archaeology department. The state archaeology department has given the work for the conservation of the site to the Indian National Trust for Conservation of Art and Heritage (INTACH), a non-government body working for the conservation of heritage. Under the conservation efforts, INTACH has 'opened' the pillars, brought them down, and will be erecting them again after strengthening the pillars. Officials from the directorate of archaeology say that the move was undertaken after all necessary evaluations and procedures were followed. "Proper evaluation was done. Efforts were made to see whether anything could be done externally to ensure the safety of the heritage site. But its base was not strong, and the pillars were slanting. The best option was to re-install the pillars. The same structures will be installed again, with no changes made. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Some repairs, using the same materials, will be done if required. All procedures have been followed," Assistant Engineer, Directorate of Archaeology, Santosh Namdeo, told TOI. Sources from the department said that during the conservation efforts undertaken around a decade ago, some weight was put on the roof of the structure, which also added to the deterioration of its base. "A detailed and long evaluation process was adopted before starting the conservation efforts. Its platform or the base on which it stands has been weakened. It was a months-long process of evaluation. Thereafter, a detailed report was submitted to the govt. It was then evaluated by the govt before giving a go-ahead. It was only after due approvals that the pillars were opened up. The pillars will be re-installed after conservation," Conservation Architect from INTACH, Raghav Sharma, told TOI. Convener of the INTACH Bhopal chapter, MM Upadhyay, said, "We always ensure that there are no changes in the structures during conservation. Every minute detail is taken care of." Meanwhile, the move has raised eyebrows among conservation enthusiasts. "The first principle of conservation is that there should be minimum intervention. And the second important principle is whatever work you do should be reversible, like if any prop is installed to support the structure, it is removable. Thus, minimum intervention and reversible intervention are two very important aspects of conservation. And the third most important thing is the structure should be evaluated for movement. If a pillar was bent, it should have been seen whether it still has movement or has stabilised. It should have been observed for a year or so before taking such measures. It is only under extreme conditions that moves like this could be undertaken; otherwise, interventions should be minimal," Conservation Architect and former member of the National Monument Authority, Meera Ishwar Das, told TOI. Bhopal: The pillars of 'Solahkhambi', a Paramar era creation with a startling visual resemblance to the Greek Acropolis, were built in the 10th-11th century. They stood tall, facing the vagaries of nature for thousands of years, but are now grounded. They are set to be erected soon under a 'conservation' effort by the state archaeology department. This effort has raised eyebrows, leading to concerns from conservation enthusiasts and experts. A short drive from the state capital, Bhopal, the Solahkhambi site is situated in Bihar Kotra village of Rajgarh district, around 3 kilometres from Chidikoh Bird Sanctuary. Although the name suggests 16 pillars, the structure had 14 pillars mounted on a platform, which stood for thousands of years until last week when they were 'opened' or brought down. The site is a protected area under the state archaeology department. The state archaeology department has given the work for the conservation of the site to the Indian National Trust for Conservation of Art and Heritage (INTACH), a non-government body working for the conservation of heritage. Under the conservation efforts, INTACH has 'opened' the pillars, brought them down, and will be erecting them again after strengthening the pillars. Officials from the directorate of archaeology say that the move was undertaken after all necessary evaluations and procedures were followed. "Proper evaluation was done. Efforts were made to see whether anything could be done externally to ensure the safety of the heritage site. But its base was not strong, and the pillars were slanting. The best option was to re-install the pillars. The same structures will be installed again, with no changes made. Some repairs, using the same materials, will be done if required. All procedures have been followed," Assistant Engineer, Directorate of Archaeology, Santosh Namdeo, told TOI. Sources from the department said that during the conservation efforts undertaken around a decade ago, some weight was put on the roof of the structure, which also added to the deterioration of its base. "A detailed and long evaluation process was adopted before starting the conservation efforts. Its platform or the base on which it stands has been weakened. It was a months-long process of evaluation. Thereafter, a detailed report was submitted to the govt. It was then evaluated by the govt before giving a go-ahead. It was only after due approvals that the pillars were opened up. The pillars will be re-installed after conservation," Conservation Architect from INTACH, Raghav Sharma, told TOI. Convener of the INTACH Bhopal chapter, MM Upadhyay, said, "We always ensure that there are no changes in the structures during conservation. Every minute detail is taken care of." Meanwhile, the move has raised eyebrows among conservation enthusiasts. "The first principle of conservation is that there should be minimum intervention. And the second important principle is whatever work you do should be reversible, like if any prop is installed to support the structure, it is removable. Thus, minimum intervention and reversible intervention are two very important aspects of conservation. And the third most important thing is the structure should be evaluated for movement. If a pillar was bent, it should have been seen whether it still has movement or has stabilised. It should have been observed for a year or so before taking such measures. It is only under extreme conditions that moves like this could be undertaken; otherwise, interventions should be minimal," Conservation Architect and former member of the National Monument Authority, Meera Ishwar Das, told TOI.
