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Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian-American undergrad from MIT torches alma mater and Israel at graduation ceremony
Megha Vemuri TOI correspondent from Washington : At an already fractious time in US academia, an Indian-American undergrad at the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) torched her own alma mater's ties to the Israeli military and spoke up for Palestine in the face of growing pressure from the Trump administration on US institutions to clamp down on criticism of Israel. Megha Vemuri, a senior class president at MIT, did not hold back during a graduation ceremony on Thursday, accusing Israel of trying to "wipe Palestine off the face of the earth," and lamenting "it is a shame that MIT is a part of it." "Right now, while we prepare to graduate and move forward with our lives, there are no universities left in Gaza," Vemuri, who completed her undergraduate degree in computer science, neuroscience, and linguistics and served as president of the graduating class, said in remarks that was greeted with cheers from students at the convocation. Vemuri trained her guns on MIT itself, recalling that students scored a major victory earlier this year, forcing MIT to end its partnership with Elbit Systems, Israel's largest weapons manufacturer, whose drones and surveillance systems are saod to have been widely used in Israeli attacks on Gaza. "The Israeli occupation forces are the only foreign military that MIT has research ties with. As scientists, engineers, academics, and leaders, we have a commitment to support life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like O céu da Argentina está mais Azul Azul Clique aqui Undo Support aid efforts, call for an arms embargo, and keep demanding that MIT cuts the ties," Vemuri said. MIT President Sally Kornbluth, who spoke immediately after Vemuri, ignored her criticism of MIT, and while acknowledging the institution valued freedom of expression she said "today is about the graduates," a sentiment shared by critics who accused her of political grandstanding instead of focusing on academics. "Graduation speeches are meant to inspire, not divide. Turning a shared moment into a personal political stage, especially with such a charged issue, is unfair to fellow students," one critic wrote on social media, where clips of her speech went viral. Others found her remarks courageous and inspirational. "Her speech makes me proud as an Indian! Well done here, on the right side of history," read one of hundreds of reactions on X, even as more extreme critics doxxed her and warned that she would never be able to get a job. Vemuri's remarks came even as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration would deny visas to foreign nationals who come to the United States to foment hatred against the Jewish community. While few details are available on the young undergrad, she appears to be a US-born daughter of immigrants from India. Her social media profile shows she went to school in Alpharetta, Georgia, home to many healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing companies.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Revised Canadian policy eases job transitions for foreign workers
In a significant move aimed at better utilizing the skills of temporary foreign workers already within the country, the Canadian government has introduced a new temporary public policy. This initiative that was signed on March 4, comes into force from May 27. It allows foreign nationals in Canada to change jobs more quickly, even before their new work permit application is fully processed. Previously, foreign workers seeking to switch employers or occupations often faced lengthy delays, sometimes several weeks, while awaiting a new work permit. This waiting period led to financial instability for workers and frustration for Canadian employers keen to fill urgent labour and skills gaps. Now, temporary foreign workers already in Canada, who have a job offer either through the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program or the International Mobility Program can begin their new roles more quickly The Canadian government acknowledges that temporary foreign workers play a vital role in the Canadian economy. However, circumstances can arise where an existing employment contract is no longer viable. This could be due to various reasons, such as a new role with the same employer, layoffs, workplace conflict, or simply the pursuit of better compensation or professional growth opportunities with a different company. "It is imperative to better utilize the skills and training of the temporary foreign workers already here," states a recently updated post on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). "This policy offers workers a viable and timely alternative to change employers if they need to do so" adds the post. Speaking to the TOI, Kubeir Kamal, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) said, 'The temporary public policy from IRCC, allows temporary foreign workers, including many from the Indian community, to change employers without needing a new work permit while their application is processed. This would specifically apply to the closed work permit holders in Canada.' 'Indian workers, who form a significant portion of Canada's temporary foreign workforce (over one lakh work permits were issued to Indian nationals in 2022), often hold employer-specific (close) work permits in sectors like IT, healthcare, caregiving, and agriculture. This policy allows them to switch jobs without waiting for a new permit, reducing downtime and enabling pursuit of better opportunities, such as higher-paying roles or positions with career advancement,' he added. Meanwhile, Jamil Jivani, a member of the Canadian Parliament from the Conservative party, apparently acting suo moto, has launched a petition to end the TFW Program. He blames it for high immigration numbers, taking jobs from Canadians, lowering wages and putting an additional burden on infrastructure. The re-elected Liberal party in August last year had announced restrictive measures for hiring temporary foreign workers. These included a cap on the number of TFWs that can be hired, and reduction in the duration of employment for workers hired under the low-wage stream to one year, from two years.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ektanagari relocation to cost ₹1,500 crore, buildings within floodline will be razed: MoS
PUNE : The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had planned a 'cluster development' project to rehabilitate people from Ektanagari and nearby areas. This cluster will be developed under the Urban Redevelopment Scheme, according to UDCPR section 14.8. The proposal involves relocation of as many as 1,383 homes and at least 67 shops from the flood-prone 'blue zones' of Ektanagari, Vitthalnagar and Nimbajnagar to municipal land in Hingne Khurd survey no. 19. TOI speaks to MoS Madhuri Misal about solutions to this long-standing issue. Q: What are the short-term solutions proposed to avert flooding in the Ektanagari area? A: In the short term, focus is on preventing water from entering homes and shops. This plan includes the removal of debris and trash as well as prevention of any future dumping. Q: How are authorities going to stop debris dumping? A: The administration is going to install CCTV cameras to monitor debris dumping here. The cameras will be used to catch the offenders, who will face criminal cases. Q: What are the long-term plans, for a more permanent solution? A: That's where the cluster development proposal comes in. The permanent solution involves total relocation of affected citizens. Properties that fall within floodlines will be razed and residents will be moved to other plots. Two plots are available in the vicinity of the affected areas. Q: Why has the planned cluster development project progressed at such a slow pace? A: The financial requirement of the project has been a major concern. We need Rs1,500 crore to complete it and these funds are not available as of today. State govt has received the proposal from PMC, which is being discussed at the UD level. Q: In Ektanagari, there have been issues linked to flood compensation. Could you clarify? A: Yes, that is correct. The flood-affected people living in residential flats received compensation. But those with commercial properties or shops are yet to receive it. The lack of provisions in law for this type of compensation has delayed compensation to shop owners.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Jobless techie in Bengal kills parents, attacks four others after reading jihadi material online: Police report
Police investigations suggest Kabir had become radicalized and was reading jihadi material online. He had been divorced last year and lost his job at an MNC in Noida five months prior, after which he returned to live with his parents. Humayun Kabir, an unemployed engineer, was arrested after allegedly murdering his parents in Memari and attacking several individuals at a Bongaon madrasa. Police suspect Kabir had become radicalized through online jihadi material. The victims at the madrasa sustained severe injuries and are receiving treatment. Following Kabir's arrest, a riot erupted, leading to further arrests and police injuries. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Humayun Kabir, a 35-year-old unemployed engineer, was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly killing his parents in Memari, East Burdwan, and attacking several people at a madrasa in Bongaon, near the Bangladesh border, according to reports from Mohammad Asif & Sanjib Chakraborty, a TOI report investigations suggest Kabir had become radicalized and was reading jihadi material online . He had been divorced last year and lost his job at an MNC in Noida five months prior, after which he returned to live with his suspect Kabir intended to cross the border into Bangladesh. Police say he attacked teachers and staff at the madrasa after they did not answer his questions about Islam and jihad to his victims—Jafar Ali Mondal (46), Meheruddin Mondal (60), Sofiar Mondal (70), and Hasanur Molla (26)—sustained deep wounds to their heads, faces, hands, backs, and shoulders. They are currently receiving treatment at Bongaon Jiban Ratan Dhar Sub-Divisional Hospital. Their condition is critical but orphanage-madrasa is located near Eidgah Maidan in Motiganj, Bongaon Municipality, about six kilometres from the India-Bangladesh border. It has been serving the community for over 30 years. The incident has left students, teachers, and staff in Kabir's arrest, a crowd gathered at the Bongaon police station, demanding he be handed over to them. North 24 Parganas SP Dinesh Kumar stated that two police officers were injured in the ensuing riot, and "10 people had been arrested for rioting and attacking cops."A Bongaon court has remanded Kabir in police custody for three days. Special public prosecutor Samir Das told the court that the police require time to investigate his "extremist links."Investigators believe Kabir killed his parents, Musfatizur Rahman and Mumtaj Parveen, because they disagreed with his radical beliefs and tried to change knife used in the attacks was reportedly bought of Bongaon expressed shock at the attack. Debasish Mondal, a local resident, said, 'We live in peace. A Kali temple, a mosque, and this madrasa have coexisted in harmony for years. It is terrifying to see such violence in a place meant for orphaned children.'
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
UK man in court after Liverpool parade crash
UK man in court after Liverpool parade crash (Image: TOI) Liverpool: A former British Marine appeared in court for the first time Friday charged with allegedly driving his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool's Premier League win, leaving 79 people injured. Paul Doyle faces seven charges including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent during Monday's incident in the north-western English city, which marred the port city's huge celebrations. The 53-year-old confirmed his name, date of birth and address during a brief appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. UK media outlets inside the courtroom reported that Doyle - wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie - held back tears before the hearing broke for an adjournment. A total of 79 people aged between nine and 78 were injured when a dark Ford Galaxy ploughed into Liverpool supporters as they celebrated their club's record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. There were no fatalities. Seven people remained in hospital, Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims told reporters on Thursday. Sarah Hammond of the Crown Prosecution Service said the agency had authorised police to charge Doyle following a "complex and ongoing investigation". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence," she said. "This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve." UK media have reported Doyle, who lives in a suburb of Liverpool, is a businessman and former marine, with three teenage children. Hammond said all charges "will be kept under review as the investigation progresses". Hundreds of thousands of Reds fans had gathered in Liverpool city centre for the long parade led by the club's top players when scenes of joy turned to horror. Images on social media showed the car ploughing through a crowd, running over people and others bouncing off its bonnet. Four people, including one child, were trapped under the vehicle, which had to be lifted to remove them, fire services said. In other clips circulating online, the car was seen being halted and swarmed by angry fans, who smashed the back windows as police sought to hold them back. Police quickly ruled out terrorism, as well as swiftly revealing the suspect was a white British man, in a rare move to quell misinformation online. Almost a year ago, Liverpool and north England saw the worst riots in decades after false rumours spread that the attacker who stabbed three girls to death in nearby Southport was a Muslim immigrant.
