News for 'VISA'

'There's A Cost To Supporting Terrorism'

'There's A Cost To Supporting Terrorism'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

'Whatever we do, the purpose will be to re-establish deterrence.'

MDMA worth Rs 75 cr seized in biggest drug bust in K'taka, 2 held

MDMA worth Rs 75 cr seized in biggest drug bust in K'taka, 2 held

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Mangaluru Police in Karnataka have seized over 37 kg of MDMA, valued at Rs 75 crore, marking the biggest-ever drug haul in the state. Two South African nationals were arrested in Bengaluru in connection with the case. The operation stemmed from an earlier arrest six months ago, leading authorities to an international drug network with links to traffickers using air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru. The arrested individuals are suspected of supplying drugs to Nigerian peddlers and using forged passports and visas for travel. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded the police operation and highlighted the government's commitment to building a drug-free society.

OCI cardholder's rights cannot be curtailed arbitrarily: HC

OCI cardholder's rights cannot be curtailed arbitrarily: HC

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the rights of an overseas citizen of India (OCI) cardholder cannot be arbitrarily curtailed, stating that the deportation and blacklisting of a US citizen holding an OCI card, accused of unauthorized missionary activities, did not follow proper statutory procedure. The court emphasized the need for natural justice, requiring an opportunity for the individual to be heard and contest the allegations before any action is taken.

Jaishankar raises US visa delay, Blinken says sensitive to it

Jaishankar raises US visa delay, Blinken says sensitive to it

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

Blinken blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for a backlog of visa applications from Indian nationals.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

Relief for Indians as US allows students to apply for visa 1 year in advance

Relief for Indians as US allows students to apply for visa 1 year in advance

Rediff.com24 Feb 2023

In a much-needed relief for foreign students looking to study in the US, the Biden administration has announced they can now apply for a visa up to a year before their academic term begins.

H-1B visa: US reaches cap for 2023

H-1B visa: US reaches cap for 2023

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

The US has received sufficient number of applications needed to reach the Congressionally mandated 65,000 H1-B visa cap for the fiscal year 2023, the country's federal agency for immigration services said on Tuesday. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Rana visited north, south India before 26/11, extradition key: Officials

Rana visited north, south India before 26/11, extradition key: Officials

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, could be extradited to India in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana's travel history in parts of north and south India before the attacks in 2008 is expected to provide crucial leads for the investigation. His extradition would mark the third person to be tried in India for the attacks, after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.

Bill to reform H-1B, L-1 visa programme introduced in US Senate

Bill to reform H-1B, L-1 visa programme introduced in US Senate

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

A group of influential lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan legislation in the US Senate to comprehensively overhaul the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes and usher in more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Pak Army stands by Hindus: Karachi Hanuman temple priest

Pak Army stands by Hindus: Karachi Hanuman temple priest

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The chief priest of the biggest Hanuman temple in Pakistan, Sant Ram Nath Mishra, has said that the Pakistani Army has always supported Hindus in their struggle against extremist groups in the country. Mishra, who is currently on a visit to Hindu religious sites across India, recounted the struggle of the Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi, which was encroached upon over the decades but was restored following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018. He said that the Pakistani Army and government swiftly implemented the Supreme Court's decision to return the temple land, despite opposition from hardline groups. Mishra also highlighted the need for easing visa restrictions between India and Pakistan, allowing Hindus on both sides to visit religious sites in each other's countries.

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work here, says US judge

Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work here, says US judge

Rediff.com30 Mar 2023

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Shahzadi Khan, currently imprisoned in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba jail, has been sentenced to death by a court for the death of a child who was under her care.

Visas rejected, 21 Indian wrestlers to miss World C'ships

Visas rejected, 21 Indian wrestlers to miss World C'ships

Rediff.com18 Oct 2022

The WFI had also applied for visas for nine of its coaches but only six received visas.

'India's Response Will Be Big'

'India's Response Will Be Big'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'Diplomatic and economic responses are first announced and then implemented. A military response is announced only after it is done.'

China to resume student visas for Indians after over 2 yrs

China to resume student visas for Indians after over 2 yrs

Rediff.com23 Aug 2022

Over 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, are reportedly stuck back home due to COVID visa restrictions.

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was extradited to India to face charges related to his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The US Department of Justice said Rana allegedly commended the LeT terrorists who carried out the attacks and suggested they should be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award. Rana is accused of facilitating a fraudulent cover for his childhood friend, David Headley, to conduct surveillance in Mumbai for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. He is also accused of helping Headley submit false visa applications to Indian authorities. This extradition follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2020 with India's request for Rana's surrender. Rana, who was previously convicted in the US for providing material support to LeT, will now face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to the Mumbai attacks.

'Trump Respects India's Friendship'

'Trump Respects India's Friendship'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'The cooperation in technology is one of the most important aspects of the visit.' 'It will have a long-lasting impact because it will shift the entire paradigm in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.'

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan has fired one bullet at us then we have to respond by firing 10 bullets at them. It is our right to do so.'

When Neil Mukesh Was Racially Screened In US

When Neil Mukesh Was Racially Screened In US

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'They were not sure that I was of Indian origin as their stereotypical image of an Indian was that of a dark-skinned dude.'

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'

'Trump Is More Unpredictable'

'Trump Is More Unpredictable'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'The policies announced by his administration are implemented faster.'

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest'. It is not, simply because Pakistan's existence -- that is synonymous with its army -- means peace has no chance, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd). It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest' asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Ilahi, expressed concern about the stability and security of the "whole region" following the collapse of the Syrian government, highlighting Tehran's worries about the potential wider ramifications of the situation. Ilahi also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism between India and Iran, citing their shared cultural heritage and the recent easing of visa restrictions.

ED probes agents' network facilitating Indians' illegal US entry via Canada

ED probes agents' network facilitating Indians' illegal US entry via Canada

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a complex network of agents and facilitators in India, Canada, and the US who assist Indians in illegally entering the US through fraudulent admissions to Canadian colleges. Over 8,500 financial transactions are under scrutiny by the ED in a case related to money laundering, stemming from a 2023 Gujarat Police crime branch FIR. The investigation includes international financial companies involved in remittances abroad, with the ED conducting 35 searches in the past year and seizing assets worth Rs 92 lakh. The issue has gained significant attention following the deportation of 104 Indians from the US on Wednesday. The investigation is linked to the tragic death of an Indian family in January 2022, who perished while attempting to cross the Canada-US border illegally. The ED has identified a network of agents and facilitators who manage and facilitate the stay, transportation, visa arrangements, and legal matters of illegal immigrants who gained admission to Canadian colleges through fraudulent means. The investigation has revealed that the fees paid to Canadian colleges were remitted back to individuals' accounts, with around 8,500 transactions identified between September 2021 and August 2024. The ED suspects that approximately 370 individuals have entered the US using this illegal immigration scheme. The agency has recorded statements from parents and guardians of students enrolled in Canadian colleges and continues its investigation.

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'India today feels enough is enough and we need to teach Pakistan a lesson.' 'Unless compelled, Mr Modi will think 10 times before taking the extreme step.'

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

SAFF Football: Pakistan's arrival in Bengaluru delayed due to visa issue

SAFF Football: Pakistan's arrival in Bengaluru delayed due to visa issue

Rediff.com18 Jun 2023

Pakistan football team's arrival in Bengaluru for the SAFF Football Championship has been delayed due to a visa issue.

'Bribe for visas': CBI arrests Karti Chidambaram's close aide

'Bribe for visas': CBI arrests Karti Chidambaram's close aide

Rediff.com18 May 2022

The CBI FIR, which contains a findings of the investigating officer who probed the PE, has alleged that Makharia approached Karti through his "close associate/front man" Bhaskararaman, the officials said.

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been taken into 18-day custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India. Rana was extradited from the United States after years of legal battles and will be questioned to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the attacks.

Why a Pakistani man living in police station in Mumbai

Why a Pakistani man living in police station in Mumbai

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

A 65-year-old Pakistani man, Nadir Munir Khan, has been residing in a room at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station in Mumbai for the past four months, awaiting deportation after serving a sentence for illegal entry into India. He was arrested in April 2024 for being found roaming suspiciously near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus without a visa or necessary documents. Khan claims he was cheated in Nepal, assaulted, and robbed, leading him to enter India illegally. The police have contacted Pakistani authorities and are awaiting their response for Khan's deportation.

When Ustad Zakir Hussain Made Me Blush

When Ustad Zakir Hussain Made Me Blush

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

Seeing a certain tousle-headed gentleman standing in the queue, I was both astonished and elated. My happiness radiated on my face and words suddenly deserted me.

FTA deal with India: EU firms want non-tariff barriers to go

FTA deal with India: EU firms want non-tariff barriers to go

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

European Union (EU) companies operating in India want New Delhi to streamline or remove non-tariff barriers such as Quality Control Orders (QCOs), complex Customs procedures; simplify labelling, testing, and import procedures; and facilitate cross-border digital transactions without data localisation constraints. These are results of a Business Sentiment Survey, 2025 conducted by the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) ahead of resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between both the sides scheduled to be concluded by year-end.

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified the process of deportation of Indian nationals from the US, stating that it is not a new phenomenon and has been ongoing for several years. He assured the Rajya Sabha that the government is engaging with the US to ensure that the deported Indians are not mistreated during their transit. Jaishankar also emphasized the need for strong action against the illegal migration industry while ensuring ease of visas for legitimate travellers. The minister provided details about the number of Indians deported from the US since 2009, highlighting the peak in 2019 with 2,042 deportations.

Indian woman on death row in UAE already executed: Govt

Indian woman on death row in UAE already executed: Govt

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

An Indian woman sentenced to death in Abu Dhabi for the alleged murder of a four-month-old child has been executed on February 15, the Delhi High Court was informed on Monday. The woman, Shahzadi Khan, was handed over to the Abu Dhabi police on February 10, 2023 and sentenced to death on July 31, 2023. Her father, Shabbir Khan, had filed a petition seeking information about her well-being. The court was informed that the woman's last rites will be held on March 5.

'Trump Will Unite America Provided...'

'Trump Will Unite America Provided...'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'...he keeps his campaign promises, does what he said he will do which led to his huge victory.'

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

In a continued push to spiritual tourism, there will be a focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha.

Late J-K leader's son gets visa hours after apology to Modi

Late J-K leader's son gets visa hours after apology to Modi

Rediff.com4 May 2023

The only son of JKNPP founder Bhim Singh has apologised to Prime Minister Modi for participating in an anti-government protest in February last year that led to him being blacklisted by the High Commission.

Shooting WC in France: Visas approved for pending Indian para shooters

Shooting WC in France: Visas approved for pending Indian para shooters

Rediff.com5 Jun 2022

"Besides, three para shooters -- Singharaj, Rahul Jhakhar and Deepinder Singh (all para pistol shooters) and two coaches Subhas Rana (national coach) and Vivek Saini (assistant coach) did not get their visas.

Skip Canada! 10 Places To Study Abroad

Skip Canada! 10 Places To Study Abroad

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Indian students are looking at destinations that offer quality education coupled with unique cultural and career experiences, often at more affordable costs, says Gaurav Batra, CEO, Infinite Group.