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Los Angeles Mayor urges India to open consulate in America's second-largest city
Currently, there are five Indian consulates in the US, and one new consulate is set to open in Seattle. The mayor has highlighted the importance of tourism and the large Indian-American population in Los Angeles as reasons for opening a consulate.
Indian-Americans have made a mark for themselves in US: Neera Tanden
Neera Tanden, Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council, highlighted the significant presence of Indian-Americans in the Biden administration, emphasizing the community's contributions to various fields. She mentioned Indian-Americans leading the Office of Science and Technology Policy and being involved in speechwriting for President Biden.
From fake appointment letters to flight tickets: How 178 youth in Punjab duped Rs 2.3 crore in Canada job scam
A group of fraudsters in Punjab, India, have scammed 178 youths from a single village out of Rs 2.3 crore by promising them jobs in Canada. The accused, Popinder Singh, posed as a senior HR executive from a reputed Ottawa-based company and lured the victims with promises of high-paying employment opportunities. The victims were required to pay for visas and other documents, but it was later discovered that all the documents provided were forged. The incident has raised concerns about the authenticity of overseas job offers, and an FIR has been filed against the fraudsters.
Amid Indo-Canada standoff, Indian envoy's Gurdwara visit blocked in Scotland by pro-Khalistan extremists
According to officials in the know, the meeting at the gurdwara had been organised as part of the events at the request of the gurdwara committee to meet Sikh groups and address their concerns over consular and other matters. Sources said the unnecessary altercation by a few outsiders and radical elements interrupted an interaction and community engagement planned by a majority of peace-loving Sikhs in the city.
India raises heckling of envoy by Khalistanis with UK
India has raised concerns with the UK over an incident in which its High Commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami, was prevented from entering a gurdwara in Scotland. The Indian High Commissioner decided to leave rather than engage in an argument. A purported video posted by 'Sikh Youth UK' showed a man blocking Doraiswami from entering the gurdwara.
Republican White House candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announces plans to gut "lottery" H-1B, vows to restore 'meritocratic' immigration
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American Republican White House candidate, has criticized the H-1B visa program and called for a skill-based immigration system. He believes the current lottery system should be replaced with one that prioritizes skills and civic commitments. Ramaswamy argues that the H-1B system should be overhauled to assess skills beyond technical expertise.
Sikh Granthi makes history, starts US House of Representatives proceedings
Taking up the floor soon after the prayers, Congressman Donald Norcross described this as a historic occasion. He is the first Sikh chaplain to make prayers in the US House of Representatives.
British High Commission informs Delhi Police about fraudulent visa agents
The Commission has identified these agents as part of a larger criminal network involved in providing counterfeit and forged documents to the British High Commission in New Delhi. A case has been registered and the police are investigating the matter. The Commission has also shared personal details of the alleged perpetrators with the Delhi Police for further action.
Afghan embassy in India announces shut down of operations from October 1
The Indian External Affairs Ministry is reviewing a letter from the Afghan Embassy stating its intention to halt all operations in New Delhi by Saturday. India has not recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan and does not have a diplomatic presence in the country. The Afghan Embassy in India has been staffed by individuals appointed by the previous Afghan government, but many diplomats have left for third countries, likely seeking asylum.
BLS International inks contract with Hungary to provide visa outsourcing services in Uzbekistan, Oman, Qatar
This extensive nationwide endeavour will span across seven coal-bearing states, with the coal ministry maintaining continuous monitoring to ensure effective implementation. The coal ministry said in a statement that it encourages citizens to actively engage in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, thereby demonstrating our collective commitment to a cleaner environment.
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Afghan embassy in India suspends operations, diplomats from govt before Taliban leave: Sources
India does not recognise the Taliban government, and closed its own embassy in Kabul after the Taliban took control in 2021, but New Delhi had allowed the ambassador and mission staff appointed by the Western-backed government of ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to issue visas and handle trade matters.
Vivek Ramaswamy vows to end "birthright citizenship" for immigrants in US
Ramaswamy, the son of Indian immigrants, broke into an anti-immigrant argument by saying that the 14th Amendment — which guarantees birthright citizenship to most people born in the United States — says “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the laws and jurisdiction thereof, are citizens,” as per The Washington Post reported.
Indians now represent over 10 pc of US visa applicants; one million non-immigrant visas processed in 2023
The US Mission in India has processed over one million non-immigrant visa applications this year, surpassing its target. Indians now make up over 10% of all visa applicants worldwide, with 20% applying for student visas and 65% for employment visas. The number of visa applications processed in India has increased by 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and 2022.
Immigrants and students fuel Canada's population growth to 70-year high
Canada's population has reached a nearly 70-year high, driven by a surge in immigrants and students, according to Statistics Canada. The country added about 700,000 temporary residents in 12 months, with a 46% increase in non-permanent residents compared to the previous year. Fertility rates have dipped to record lows.
As Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy rise, some Indian Americans have mixed feelings
While Indian Americans make up a small percentage of the overall electorate, they are one of the fastest-growing constituencies and could have an impact in swing states and purple suburbs. Some Indian Americans expressed pride in Haley and Ramaswamy's rise, but also frustration and dismay over their hard-line positions on issues such as race, identity, and immigration.
Maharashtra govt makes passport verification more stringent, asks police to visit applicant's home, if needed
The aim is to prevent illegal immigrants and anti-nationals from obtaining Indian passports. The order states that organized criminal groups are issuing counterfeit Aadhaar and PAN cards to foreign immigrants, who then exploit the Tatkal Passport service.
