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US proposes plan to scrap additional security checks for Indians June 28, 2024 12:47

As part of an effort to streamline international air travel, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a "one-stop agreement" with India that would eliminate the need to re-screen passengers and luggage at transit points. At the India-US Aviation Summit in Washington, TSA Director David Pekoske highlighted the feasibility and benefits of the concept. The one-stop security concept simplifies the travel process as connecting flights in different countries do not require additional security checks for passengers and their checked baggage. “This concept facilitates the flow of passengers and luggage to their destination by eliminating double security checks at transit points,” explained Pekoske. Mr. Pekosuke highlighted the security benefits, noting that such an agreement would increase the safety of incoming flights to both countries. He said: “The continuation of this agreement requires regular exchange of information and improvement of security processes”. A memorandum of understanding is required for the exchange of sensitive security information between the two countries. “We have categories of information that are not truly classified, but are so sensitive that they require additional protection,” Pekoske said. Pekoske examined the origins of the TSA and India's road safety measures and found that both measures resulted from tragic events. For India, it was the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 and for TSA, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. “These tragic events marked a paradigm shift in the way we both think about road safety, and that continues until today,” he said. At the summit, US Aviation Secretary Michael Whittaker said: “Safety is a team sport. That is.” Mr. Whittaker emphasized the interconnectedness of the US and Indian aviation systems, which are part of a single global network. “We need to work together on security issues and share ideas and innovations, particularly on how we can safely bring some of these new technologies into our airspace,” he said. The cooperation between the two countries aims to improve the overall safety of the global aviation system by sharing best practices and learning from each other. Whittaker emphasized the importance of proactive data analysis in accident prevention. "Our goal is to raise safety to a new level. This means we need to proactively analyze data to identify risks of disruption and mitigate those risks before they happen,” he added.

Indian Man Shot Dead During Texas Robbery June 24, 2024 13:30

A 32-year-old Indian man was shot in a robbery incident that took place in USA in the state of Texas and the tragic indicent took place in a grocery store. Dasari Gopikrishna, a native of Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla district, arrived in America just eight months ago. The incident happened on June 21 at a gas station in Pleasant Grove, Dallas. The DC Consul General was in Dallas on Sunday for Yoga Day. Manjunath confirmed to PTI that the incident was not related to the Arkansas shooting. As various sources have already reported. Condolences to the Gopikrishna family, Mr. Manjunath said, “We are contacting the local family members after learning of the tragic death of Gopi Krishna Dasari of Indian origin at Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Texas.” A resident of #AndhraPradesh died in #America. Gopikrishna native of Bapatla district is residing in America. Gopikrishna was injured in a shooting at a store in Dallas. He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Gopikrishna went to America 11 months ago. pic.twitter.com/s9yY2eVP6b — Sowmith Yakkati (@YakkatiSowmith) June 23, 2024 The Consulate General of India, with the support of Indian associations, will provide all assistance in repatriating Mr. Gopikrishna's body to India, with local formalities including autopsy and issuance of death certificates. Mr Gopikrishna sustained serious injuries during the robbery and was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning. The incident deeply affected the Indian community in and around Dallas. Mr. Gopikrishna is survived by his wife and son.

Shocking: 40 Indians killed in Kuwait Fire Accident June 13, 2024 12:22

Tragedy struck in Mangaf city, Kuwait, as a fire broke out in a building housing 195 Indian workers, claiming the lives of 40 individuals and injuring 50 more. The blaze, which started in the kitchen of the six-story structure, occurred at 6 AM local time (9 AM IST). Sadly, the majority of the casualties were caused by smoke inhalation while the residents slept. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded swiftly, holding a high-level review and announcing a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh for each of the families who lost a loved one. Additionally, the Minister of State, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, is immediately traveling to Kuwait to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and provide medical assistance to the injured. The victims are currently receiving treatment in five government hospitals across Kuwait, as the nation grapples with this devastating incident. The Kuwaiti authorities have assured the Indian government that they will thoroughly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. The Indian embassy in Kuwait has established a helpline for family members to get in touch, and the Indian ambassador has visited the affected areas. The Emir of Kuwait has ordered an investigation, and the First Deputy Prime Minister has directed the arrest of the building's owner, janitor, and the owner of the company responsible for the workers, pending the completion of the investigation. The majority of the admitted patients are stable, and the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and pushing for the early repatriation of the bodies of those who lost their lives. The migrant workers who perished in the recent tragedy in Kuwait made up a significant portion of the country's population and workforce. Tragically, the victims included individuals from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal, in addition to Kuwaiti nationals. This devastating incident has highlighted the precarious situation faced by many migrant laborers in the region.

Schengen Visa: Europe Trip Gets Costlier from Today June 11, 2024 16:30

Starting today, June 11, 2024, travelers to Europe will face higher visa application fees. The European Commission has implemented a 12% increase in Schengen Visa fees, affecting applicants worldwide. This move aligns with the bloc's efforts to boost tourism in the region. Under the new fee structure, adult applicants will now pay €90, up from €80, and children aged 6-12 will pay €45, increased from €40. Countries deemed uncooperative with the EU's repatriation efforts will experience steeper hikes, with fees reaching €135 or €180. The Slovenian government has confirmed the European Commission's decision to raise short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees globally by 12%, effective from June 11, 2024. The Commission cites inflation and rising civil servant salaries as justifications for this increase, which follows a scheduled review of EU visa fees that took place in December 2023, as required by the Schengen Visa Code every three years. The Schengen visa system encompasses a group of European nations, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway (though not officially a member, it adheres to the regulations), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This development has brought disappointment, particularly for Turkish citizens who have long awaited a visa-free travel agreement with the EU. In 2023, the Schengen region experienced a significant increase in short-stay visa applications, reaching over 10.3 million, representing a 37% year-on-year rise. However, this figure still falls short of the pre-pandemic peak of 17 million applications received in 2019. India secured the third position in terms of visa applications for Europe, with a total of 966,687 submissions. The recent visa fee hike coincides with Europe's efforts to attract tourists from around the globe. Notably, on April 18, 2024, the European Commission introduced a new visa regime specifically for Indian citizens residing in India, referred to as a "visa cascade", which includes easier access to multi-entry visas, rewarding positive visa history, and the potential for a five-year visa.

India plans to simplify immigration checks for international trips June 08, 2024 18:20

Officials say India is considering simplifying immigration rules and increasing staff at major Indian airports to speed up the immigration process. The government wants to develop India's airports as a transport hub for South Asia,…

Telugu girl Nitheesha Kandula goes missing in Los Angeles June 03, 2024 16:36

A mysterious disappearance has left authorities in California searching for a young Indian student. Nitheesha Kandula, a 23-year-old enrolled at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), was last seen in Los Angeles on May 28th. Her family reported her missing two days later. CSUSB Police Chief John Guttierez has appealed to the public for any information regarding Kandula's whereabouts, sharing her physical description and the details of the car she may have been driving, a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California license plate. Law enforcement agencies, including the CSUSB Police and the Los Angeles Police Department, are working together to locate the missing student. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear. This incident comes just a month after another Indian student, Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 26, went missing in Chicago. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the CSUSB Police Department or the LAPD's Southwest Division, in the hopes of bringing Nitheesha Kandula home safely. In April, a young man from Hyderabad named Mohammed Abdul Arfath, aged 25, was tragically found deceased in Cleveland after disappearing in March. Additionally, in December 2023, the FBI escalated its search efforts for 29-year-old Mayushi Bhagat, an Indian student who vanished in the US after leaving her New Jersey apartment on April 29, 2019. She was reported missing on May 1 of the same year. The FBI is now offering a substantial $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to the discovery of Mayushi Bhagat's whereabouts. The FBI's website states, "We are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for details that could assist in locating or recovering the missing person, Mayushi Bhagat, and for the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible."

Challenges and opportunities for Indian students Abroad June 01, 2024 20:18

For decades, studying abroad has been a cherished dream for countless Indian students, opening the door to career advancement and global knowledge in search of a better future. According to the India Student Mobility Report…

Telangana girl hit by Speeding Car While Crossing Road In US May 28, 2024 15:45

A 25-year-old woman from Telangana has died after being hit by a car in Florida, her family said on Monday. Guntipalli Soumya died on the spot after she was hit by a speeding car while crossing the road on Sunday evening, her family said. Sowmya, who hails from Yadagaripalli in Yadadri Bongir district, went to America for further studies. After earning a master's degree from Florida Atlantic University, he looked for work. Soumya's family was shocked to learn of her death. His parents Koteswara Rao and Balamani appealed to the central and state governments to take his body to India. Telangana Minister Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy expressed his condolences to Soumya's family. According to him, they are trying to return his body. He went to study in America two years ago. He is said to have been trying to find a job after completing his master's degree. Soumya, a resident of Yatakaripalle village in Telangana, was looking for a job. Her parents Koteswara Rao and Balamani were deeply saddened to hear the sad news of their daughter's death. Soumya's family has appealed to the government to help bring her body to Telangana. Koteswara Rao, a former CRPF jawan, said his daughter had recently celebrated her 25th birthday on May 11. “I even sent him clothes,” he lamented over his loss. According to the GoFundMe website, Soumya's father struggled to raise money for her education and sacrificed a lot to give her a chance to fulfill her dream. Rao currently runs a general store (Kirana Store) in Telangana.

Indian Student Dies in USA in a Bike Mishap May 24, 2024 16:17

On Thursday, the Consulate General of India in New York informed that an Indian student, Shri Belem Atchyuth, had passed away in a bike accident on Wednesday. Shri Atchyuth was attending the State University of New York at the time of his death. The Consulate General expressed their condolences to his family and stated that they were in contact with them. They also reached out to local agencies for support. In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York shared their sadness over Shri Atchyuth's sudden passing and offered their deepest sympathies to his loved ones. They reassured that @IndiainNewYork is working closely with both the family and local authorities to provide necessary assistance, such as repatriating his remains back to India. Saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Shri Belem Atchyuth, a student at SUNY who met with a bike accident and passed away yesterday evening; our deepest condolences to the family; @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the bereaved family & local agencies to extend all… — India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) May 23, 2024 The recent incident is part of a concerning trend of deaths among Indian-origin students in the US. In April, the Consulate General of India in New York reported the tragic death of an Indian student, who had been missing since March, in Ohio. The consulate expressed its sorrow over the loss and is working with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the case. In a post on their official X handle, they offered their deepest condolences to Mr. Mohammed Arfath's family upon learning about his passing in Cleveland, Ohio. Arafat, originally from Hyderabad, went to the US in May 2023 to pursue a Master's degree in IT from Cleveland University. However, he has been missing since March 7 of this year. According to Arafat's father, Mohd Saleem, they received a phone call about 10 days after his disappearance from an anonymous individual claiming that Arafat had been abducted. The caller demanded a ransom of USD 1200 for his safe return. In April, a fellow Indian student in Cleveland named Uma Satya Sai Gadde passed away and an investigation is currently ongoing. Additionally, in February of this year, another Indian student was brutally attacked in Chicago. The Indian Consulate in Chicago has taken note of these incidents and has been providing support to the victim, Syed Mazahir Ali, as well as his wife in India.

Jaya Badiga becomes first Judge in the USA from Telugu States May 22, 2024 19:25

Gov. Gavin Christopher Newsom appointed Jaya Badiga, an Indian American, to the Sacramento County Superior Court, making her the first Telugu-speaking judge in California. Jaya Badiga was born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh and completed his primary education in Hyderabad. She received a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and an M.A. in International Relations and International Communications from Boston University. Jaya Badiga passed the California Bar Exam in 2009. She then served as human resources consultant, general counsel, managing attorney, attorney for the California Department of Public Health, and presiding judge of the Sacramento County Superior Court prior to his appointment as a judge. In addition to Badiga, Governor Newsom announced the appointment of 18 additional Supreme Court justices, including Raj Singh Badshah of India. Indeed a proud moment for Telugu people. Jaya Badiga is the daughter of Machilipatnam Ex MP Mr.Badiga Ramakrishna garu.

Indian Students In Kyrgyzstan Asked To Stay Indoors May 18, 2024 16:29

As a result of attacks on foreign students in Kyrgyzstan, India has issued a warning to its citizens to remain indoors. The advisory was given after several Pakistani students were injured in mob violence in their hostel. The Indian Consulate has stated that they are keeping in contact with their students and that the situation is currently stable. However, students are still advised to stay indoors and contact the Embassy if necessary. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has also advised students to stay in touch with the embassy. The government has denied reports of three Pakistani students being killed in the attack. The Pakistan embassy has said that the situation escalated after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students went viral online, resulting in hostels of medical universities in Bishkek being targeted by the mob. These hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. A recent post on X by Pakistan's Kyrgyzstan consulate has reported attacks on hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, along with private residences of international students. The students come from various countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and a few Pakistani students have sustained minor injuries. Despite rumors circulating on social media about the death and rape of Pakistani students, no such reports have been confirmed. Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed concern and directed the Ambassador to provide necessary assistance. The situation may reflect tensions surrounding the presence of South Asian migrants in Kyrgyzstan, with an estimated 15,000 Indian students in the country, though it is unclear how many are currently in Bishkek.

Telugu boy Sai Varshith pleads guilty in an attempt to kill President Biden May 15, 2024 12:34

Sai Varshith Kandula, a Telugu boy from Chesterfield, Missouri, has been charged with attempting to murder US President Joe Biden. Reports from Washington indicate that Kandula, influenced by Nazi ideology, had the intention to harm the President. On Monday night, Kandula rented a U Haul truck and twice rammed it into the security barricades at Lafayette Square near the White House. Alert security personnel arrested him immediately. During questioning, Kandula revealed that he was targeting both the President and Vice President Kamala Harris. He has been charged with use of deadly weapons, negligent driving, trying to endanger the life of the President, and destruction of government property, among others. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. According to sources in Chesterfield, Kandula graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 2022 and has an ideology similar to German Nazism. The police have informed the President's office of the incident. The Washington Post reports that a man named Kandula was found with materials in the truck he was driving. He initially pleaded guilty to damaging federal property, but a terrorism charge was added to his plea agreement. This charge could have resulted in a sentence of 12 to 15 years in prison, but the maximum sentence for federal property damage is 10 years. Prosecutors agreed to seek a sentence of eight years for Kandula when he is sentenced on Aug. 23. He has been in a Washington D.C. jail since May of last year, when the incident occurred. During his arrest, Kandula reportedly threatened to kill the president if necessary to seize power and hurt anyone who stood in his way.