INCOIS Director elected vice chair of ‘IOCINDIO' sub-commission
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) Director T.M. Balakrishnan Nair has been elected as the vice-chair of 'IOCINDIO' sub-commission through an electoral process held at the First Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Central Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO-1). The election was supported by 13 member states of IOCINDIO, said a press release on Friday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
13 hours ago
- News18
Internet Reacts As Indian Developer's F-1 Visa Gets Approved In Just 30 Seconds
Last Updated: The applicant worked for two years as a Backend Developer at a reputed Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in India. As the US reopens student visa interview slots, a young Indian software engineer's swift F-1 visa approval at the Hyderabad consulate has sparked attention online. The applicant, who has worked for two years as a Backend Developer at a reputed Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in India, recently shared their visa interview experience on Reddit. The scheduled slot was at 10:30 AM IST, and the interaction lasted only a few moments. According to his post titled 'F1 approved in 30 seconds," the consular officer began the process by asking for their passport and I-20 form. Once the documents were verified, the officer inquired about the current professional role. 'I work as a Backend Developer at a PBC," he responded. The next question focused on their motivation to pursue a Master's degree at this point in their career. 'While I was working as a developer, I realised I need to gain more knowledge and an in-depth grip on a lot of core concepts, so that I could come back to India and work in even better companies and better roles," the user explained. His post gained traction and in the comment section, users shared their mixed reactions. One Redditor commented, 'Congratulations! that answer. Even they know that you not doing masters to come back to India and work. I'm sure that's your college or VO was in good mood." 'You won't gain more knowledge in USA. You gain debt, depression and jobless. Situation is so bad, and it gets much worse. Save yourself and enjoy life in India," another said. Someone shared, 'No even though VO was aware that you won't come back, still they approve because they only approve the candidates who can add value to their country, economy after education." 'Same story 4 years ago, VO went chill as soon as he saw that I worked for a reputed American MNC," read another comment. Meanwhile, the US State Department has confirmed that it will continue scheduling appointments for international students but with one condition. The applicant is required to make their social media accounts publicly viewable during the application process. Officials have reportedly been directed to monitor applicants' online presence closely and search for 'any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States." These changes come after a temporary pause on F-1 visa appointments in late May during which the US government was said to be revising its policies toward foreign students. F visas are primarily issued to international students seeking academic degrees in US and are now subject to tighter scrutiny under the revised guidelines. First Published:
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
U.S. student visa interviews resume worldwide: What the new Social Media rule means
The United States has resumed student visa interviews with a significant change: applicants must now make their social media profiles public. Consular officers will review platforms used over the past five years to assess online behavior, looking for anti-American sentiment or extremist views. This new policy aims to enhance national security by thoroughly scrutinizing applicants' digital footprints. Good news for students! The United States has resumed processing student visa interviews across the globe after a temporary pause. However, there has been a significant new change which applicants must know. Starting now, those wishing to apply for a student visa will have to make their social media profiles public. Yes, you read that right! The new policy was implemented by the U.S. State Department. The main aim of this new change is to increase national security by reviewing the online presence of visa applicants more thoroughly. More about the Social Media Rule As per new rule, the consular officers will have to check all social media platforms used by student visa applicants over the past five years. These include F-1 academic visas, M-1 vocational visas, and J-1 exchange visitor visas. If someone attempts to delete, hide or restrict access to social media content may raise red flags during the visa review process. This new change follows an internal State Department directive. The social media will help scrutinise the online behavior of the applicant. It could indicate anti-American sentiment, extremist beliefs, or support for violence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Not only this, even deleted or edited content may be captured in screenshots for further evaluation. As per the guidance, all social media handles, including the ones which are no longer in use, will have to be mentioned. As per a cable from the State Department, American citizens expect their government to increase national security, especially when it comes to the visa system. 'Secretary Rubio is helping to make America and its universities safer while bringing the State Department into the 21st century,' the message said. Though visa interviews have now resumed with consular officers spending significant time reviewing applicant's digital histories. So now students applying for a U.S. visa, it's important to maintain complete transparency by mentioning every social media account they have used so far. Make sure content is viewable. Don't delete if you are planning to apply. With digital behavior now playing a central role in U.S. visa decisions, what students post on their social media platforms could play a significant role in their academic future. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Hypersonic missiles, next-gen BrahMos, new air defence: DRDO chief reveals long list of India's future-ready weapons
India is advancing a wide range of indigenous defence technologies including hypersonic missiles , long-range air defence systems, and next-generation fighter aircraft, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat. In an interview to NDTV, Dr. Kamat outlined DRDO 's current and future projects that aim to enhance India's strategic deterrence and battlefield capabilities across air, land, and sea. BrahMos and its smaller successor A key focus area is the BrahMos missile , co-developed with Russia and currently launched from Su-30MKI fighter jets. To increase deployment flexibility, DRDO is working on BrahMos-NG, a next-generation variant designed to fit into more fighter platforms. BrahMos-NG is lighter and smaller, allowing wider deployment across India's air fleet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo India's hypersonic weapons programme India is also developing two types of hypersonic weapons — a cruise missile and a glide vehicle. The glide vehicle project is at a more advanced stage. Dr. Kamat said, 'We should be able to complete developmental trials in two to three years and then we can go for induction.' For the hypersonic cruise missile, scramjet propulsion has already been successfully tested for 1,000 seconds. Full-scale development awaits government approval. Once cleared, it may take five to seven years to reach operational status. Live Events Air-to-air and air-to-ground missile upgrades DRDO is extending its missile capabilities with new variants of the Astra air-to-air missile. The existing Mk-1 is in service, while Mk-2 and Mk-3 with longer range are under development. Meanwhile, the Rudram series of air-to-ground missiles is being upgraded. Rudram-2, Rudram-3, and Rudram-4 are in different stages of development. Surface-to-air defence and anti-drone technologies Under the Kusha programme, India is developing long-range surface-to-air missiles to match capabilities like the Russian S-400. The system is internally known as 'Sudarshan Chakra'. In parallel, DRDO is also developing directed energy weapons including high-powered lasers and microwave systems to neutralise drones and other aerial threats. Mobile artillery and light tanks India's indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is being adapted into a mobile version. Last year, the government approved a proposal for 814 truck-mounted, self-propelled 155mm gun systems costing around ₹15,000 crore. Apart from defence PSUs, private firms like Tata, L&T, Bharat Forge , and Mahindra Defence have been approached for participation. Dr. Kamat also shared details about the light tank project named Zorawar. Built with L&T for high-altitude deployment along the border with China, the 25-tonne tank is expected to see 354 units inducted by the Indian Army. Naval weapons nearing induction For the Indian Navy, DRDO is developing torpedoes, naval mines, and other undersea warfare technologies. Dr. Kamat said many of these systems are 'close to induction,' signalling near-term deployment of several indigenous maritime platforms. Fifth-generation fighter response to China-Pakistan axis Dr. Kamat commented on reports that Pakistan may receive 40 J-35 stealth aircraft from China by next year. India's response is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ), which received formal sanction in 2024. In a previous interview, Dr. Kamat said, 'The AMCA will take 10 years to complete and would be ready by 2035.' According to an Economic Times report, the Indian Air Force is expected to procure six squadrons — around 120 aircraft. Unlike the Tejas programme where HAL led manufacturing, AMCA will follow a new production model. The government has issued an expression of interest to bring in either HAL, a private firm, or a public-private joint venture as the lead production partner. Lessons from recent operations Dr. Kamat stressed the need for future weapons to operate without external support. Citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, he said, 'All weapons must function without GPS or communication,' highlighting DRDO's focus on autonomous systems that can work in electronically denied environments. India's defence strategy is moving towards greater self-reliance and operational flexibility through indigenous technologies. The DRDO's ongoing work across multiple platforms reflects a long-term commitment to building modern, multi-domain defence capabilities.
