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Guyana diaries: Bhojpuri nights, ubiquitous Hindu temples & booming economy
Guyana exudes a strong sense of Indianness that resonates deeply with visitors from India, particularly noticeable in Georgetown, its capital and the only English-speaking country in South America. The Providence Cricket Stadium greets visitors with a prominent "Bhojpuri Nights" banner, reflecting the cultural blend. Nearby, ISKCON stands as one of Georgetown's largest temples, underscoring the presence of Indian culture. Renowned eateries like the one owned by former West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan offer a taste of familiar cuisine.
Vienna tops the list of 10 best cities to live in the world, Pakistan’s Karachi features in the bottom 10
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) annually releases its Global Liveability Index, ranking cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. In the 2024 report, Vienna, Austria, remains the top city for the third consecutive year, praised for its cultural vibrancy and exceptional public services. However, cities like Karachi, Pakistan, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, are among the least livable, ranking in the bottom ten.
British Airways IT failure sparks chaos at London's Heathrow Airport
Chaos at Heathrow ensued from British Airways' IT failure, emphasizing the need for clear communication and critical management to uphold passenger trust amidst potential financial repercussions.
Federal court revives lawsuit against US government over fake university scam
US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has reinstated a proposed class action lawsuit involving 600 students defrauded by fictitious university in student visa scam. The lead plaintiff, from India, seeks to recover funds paid for enrollment, highlighting government's commercial activity. DHS not immune from lawsuit, marking significant legal victory.
Indian farm labourers march to end 'slavery' after worker death shakes Italy
Thousands of Indian farm laborers in Italy demand an end to "slavery" after the tragic death of Satnam Singh, who lost his arm in a work accident. Exploitation of undocumented migrants in agriculture sector sparks outrage and calls for justice and better working conditions.
Indian-American couple sentenced to prison for forcing relative to work at gas station
A US court has sentenced Harmanpreet Singh to 135 months (11.25 years) in prison and Kulbir Kaur to 87 months (7.25 years) for coercing their relative, brought from India under false pretenses, to work at their gas station and store. They forced him into labor, confiscated his immigration documents, and subjected him to threats, physical abuse, and long hours for minimal pay. The couple also prevented his return to India and used coercive tactics, including marriage threats and physical violence, to control him over a three-year period until May 2021.
Kenya violence: Indian nationals advised to exercise 'utmost caution'
The Indian High Commission in Kenya issued a cautionary advisory to Indian nationals, urging them to exercise "extreme caution" due to the current "tense" situation caused by violent protests in various cities across the African nation. The unrest stemmed from contentious demonstrations in Nairobi and other urban centers following the passage of a controversial bill by the Kenyan parliament, which aimed to raise taxes.
Over 14 lakh visa applications submitted monthly in 2023: EAM Jaishankar on Passport Seva Divas
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the Ministry's accomplishment of providing 1.65 crore passport-related services to Indian citizens in 2023 and processing over 14 lakh visa applications monthly during the 12th Passport Seva Divas.
Indian man fatally shot during robbery in Dallas
A 32-year-old Indian man, Dasari Gopikrishna, was fatally shot during a robbery at a convenience store in Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Texas. Gopikrishna, who had been in the US for only eight months and hailed from Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla district, sustained critical injuries and tragically passed away in the hospital while undergoing treatment. Consul General D C Manjunath confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to Gopikrishna's family, stating that the Consulate is assisting with repatriation efforts.
India launches trusted traveller programme for faster immigration
Home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This facility will be available free of cost for all passengers, Shah said.
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Special programme to fast-track immigration services launched; All you need to know
The FTI-TTP will be launched at 21 major airports in the country. In the first phase, along with the Delhi airport, it will be launched at seven major airports -- Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad.
Indian farm worker dies in Italy without medical help after arm severed by machine
Satnam Singh, a 31-year-old Indian worker in Italy, tragically died after his arm was severed by heavy farm machinery. His employer, Antonello Lovato, left him without medical assistance, resulting in his death. Italy's Minister of Labour, Marina Calderone, described the incident as an act of barbarity.
BLS International opens new visa application centre in Mumbai
BLS International inaugurated a new visa application centre in Mumbai with increased processing capacity, handling visas to Spain, Slovakia, Egypt, Gambia, Morocco, and South Korea.
US Elections: Trump says he would give Green Cards to all foreign college students at graduation
Former President Donald Trump proposed automatic green cards for foreign students graduating from U.S. colleges, diverging from his anti-immigrant stance. This plan, outlined during a podcast, contrasts sharply with his past policies but aligns with his 2024 campaign focus on immigration reform.
Biden to give legal protections to immigrant spouses of US citizens
President Joe Biden will announce new protections for immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens, marking the 12-year anniversary of DACA. The policy will shield them from deportation, provide work permits, and offer a pathway to citizenship.
Small Indian-American community making grand contributions in the US: Report
The report "Indiaspora Impact Report: Small Community, Big Contributions," conducted by Boston Consulting Group, is the first volume in a series to look at the impact of the Indian diaspora, with a special focus on public service, business, culture and innovation in the United States.
