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India Today
37 minutes ago
- Business
- India Today
Study in Uzbekistan: 5 fully funded scholarships for Indian graduates
The Republic of Uzbekistan is inviting Indian students to apply for five fully-funded scholarships to pursue a Master's degree at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand for the 2025–26 academic year. These scholarships aim to attract talented Indian graduates to specialised programmes in areas such as Tourism and Hospitality, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Restoration, and courses under this scheme are taught in English. The university, known for its state-of-the-art "Smart Campus", provides an international academic environment and has collaborative ties with reputed global institutions. Facilities on campus include a digital library, hotel rooms, a gym, a pool, and even a training bar-restaurant to ensure industry-relevant the direct link to check and apply for the scholarshipsSCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITS Selected students will receive extensive support under the scholarship programme, including:Round-trip economy airfare once a yearA monthly living allowance equivalent to $500Accommodation support of up to $100 per monthTwo annual cultural tours within Uzbekistan, with an additional $100 travel stipend per tripWHO CAN APPLY?Indian graduates with a background in the relevant fields and strong English language skills are encouraged to apply. Applicants must provide the following documents:advertisementA valid passport or identity documentBachelor's degree certificateCV and a recent photographEnglish language proficiency proof (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 72 / CEFR B2), or evidence that their undergraduate education was conducted in EnglishA 1–1.5 page essay on 'Contributing to the development of tourism of the SCO countries'Applications must be submitted through the official university portal at no later than August 1, link to visit the official websiteIt is important to note that the Government of India is not involved in the nomination or selection process. Final decisions will be made solely by the authorities in Uzbekistan. For additional information, candidates can visit the university's official website at
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First Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Rajnath Singh to visit China for SCO meet, first post-Op Sindoor face-off with Pak minister likely
This will be Rajnath Singh's first overseas trip since India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May read more Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to China next week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meet in Qingdao from June 25 to 27. This will be his first overseas trip since India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May. Interestingly, his Pakistani counterpart Khwaja Asif is also supposed to be present at the summit. India-China working to normalise ties The visit comes as both India and China trudge towards normalisation in their relationship after a protracted period of tensions following deadly clashes in the Himalayas in 2020. Over the past few months, bilateral relations have improved, marked by resumption of trade, travel and dialogue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in April told Network 18 that ties between the two Asian giants were 'much better'. 'The relationship is much better than before. I think the disengagement, particularly the Depsang Demchok, was important,' the EAM said. 'We are now addressing, to some extent, the issues on the border because there has been a force build-up over a period of years. Many other things also happened during this period. Some of it was collateral to the situation, and some of it was a carryover from the Covid era,' he said. This visit by the defence minister also coincides with the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been facilitated by the Chinese authorities. Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the SCO summit. India and China are engaged in discussions aimed at further easing border tensions and strengthening bilateral relations. Singh's upcoming meeting follows his earlier interaction with Admiral Dong Jun at the ADMM-Plus summit in Laos, marking their first engagement since the recent border disengagement agreement. This potential visit is part of broader diplomatic efforts to normalise India-China relations, with possible talks on restoring air connectivity, sharing hydrological data, and promoting visa facilitation and people-to-people exchanges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During recent discussions in Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, India had reaffirmed its support for China's presidency of the SCO. Challenges Despite the recent thaw, challenges still persist in Indo-Sino co-operation. One of the major issues is China's open economic and military support to Pakistan. It was not clear whether Singh would bring up the issue during his upcoming interaction with the Chinese authorities.
News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Rajnath Singh To Attend SCO Defence Ministers' Meet In China From June 25 To 27
Last Updated: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit China for the SCO Defence Ministers' meet in Qingdao from June 25-27, meeting his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meet in Qingdao from June 25 to 27 in his first such visit since Operation Sindoor. Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif will also attend the meeting. The visit coincides with India and China working to normalise relations, marked by the resumption of trade, travel, and dialogue. Singh will have bilaterals with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the SCO meet. The meeting is happening at a time when the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed. Patrolling is happening in Depsang and Demchok. India and China are holding talks to reduce border tensions and enhance bilateral ties. Singh's visit follows his meeting with China's Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the ADMM-Plus summit in Laos, their first interaction after the border disengagement agreement. The potential visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to normalise India-China ties, which may include discussions on reviving the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restoring air links, exchanging hydrological data, and enhancing visa and people-to-people exchanges. India reiterated its support for China's SCO presidency during recent talks in Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bars, eateries operate from revoked SCOs in Gurugram Sec 29, despite violations
Despite multiple occupation certificates (OCs) being revoked over the past two years, bars, restaurants, and retail outlets continue to operate openly from shop-cum-office (SCO) properties in Gurugram's Sector-29—exposing lapses in enforcement by the excise department, fire safety authorities, and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Documents accessed by HT show that OCs for SCO Nos. 27, 28, and 53 were cancelled between 2021 and 2025 for a range of violations, including unauthorised basement use, illegal fourth-floor construction, and zoning infractions. In a January 18, 2022 order against SCO No. 28, Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) even directed disconnection of water and sewer lines and initiated proceedings to reclaim the premises. Yet, at least five bars continue to operate from these properties—some even from basements, which HSVP norms allow solely for storage. A major fast-food chain and other restaurants have also set up shop in spaces designated strictly for hotel use. 'The building codes clearly specify that basements in HSVP markets are to be used for storage only. Running bars or spas in these spaces is not just a violation—it's a safety risk,' said a senior HSVP official, speaking on condition of anonymity. What's raising eyebrows is that several of these establishments continue to hold valid liquor licences and pollution clearances. 'How is the excise department issuing fresh liquor permits when the very building's occupancy certificate has been revoked? Why is the Pollution Control Board giving operating consent for such places?' asked Rajeev Yadav, Supreme Court advocate and president of NGO Adhikaar – The Rights Path, who has filed multiple complaints to both state and central bodies. Adding to the chaos, the back lanes of the market are blocked, hawkers have overtaken the main parking area, and an animal-themed safari cart inexplicably roaming through the market, what was once envisioned as a premium leisure zone now teeters on the edge of chaos. Environmental violations are also rampant. Green belts around Leisure Valley Park—a designated buffer and public space—have been encroached upon with illegal concrete structures and boundary walls. Earlier inspections by district nodal officer RS Batth had flagged these, but no demolitions or follow-up actions have occurred, activists said. 'It's become a concrete carnival,' said Roma J Vinayak, an environmental activist. 'The unchecked commercial creep into green areas has gutted Gurugram's urban cooling systems. And for what? Basement bars?' Activist Vaishali Rana said, 'Sector-29 was once a model of planned urban space. Today, it's a chaotic maze of unauthorised constructions and blatant misuse of land. The silence of regulatory is choking Gurugram's ecological lungs.' Urban planners warn that the issue is no longer confined to Sector-29. The trend of converting office basements into nightlife hubs is spreading—especially along Golf Course Extension Road. One such property, run by a former international cricketer, operates a high-end pub in an SCO marked for office use. 'This open defiance of zoning norms by celebrity ventures sets a dangerous precedent,' said Yadav. The matter has now reached the Chief Minister's Flying Squad and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), prompting activists to demand action beyond toothless show-cause notices. Akansha Tanwar, regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said, 'We will initiate inspections and take appropriate action against any violations.' Gulshan Kalra, deputy director (technical), Haryana Fire and Emergency Services, said the department would launch a detailed fire safety survey. 'Our mandate includes ensuring equipment is in place, but we'll also examine unauthorised activity.' Vaishali Singh, HSVP administrator, acknowledged the issue. 'The matter is under our notice. We have directed the estate officer concerned to check the premises. If violations are found, strict action will follow.'
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Rajnath to attend SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in China
In his first such visit since Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meet in Qingdao from June 25 to 27. Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif too will attend the meeting. The visit comes as India and China take steps to restore ties, including the resumption of trade and travel links as well as dialogue mechanisms. Also Read: Influencing interlocutors: On Operation Sindoor, India's delegations In addition, the Indian pilgrims bound for Kailash-Mansarovar – the first batch to undertake the trip since the 2020 military stand-off and Galwan killings – are also expected to reach their destination at the same time as Mr. Singh's visit to Qingdao. The steps are part of the 'normalisation' process agreed to by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Kazan in October 2024, after a tense four-year military stand-off on the Line of Actual Control. Both leaders are expected to attend the BRICS summit in Brazil from July 6 to 7, while Mr. Modi has been invited to the SCO Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, China, later this year. Sources said that in Qingdao, which hosts a significant Chinese naval base, Mr. Singh will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong and Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the conference. While Mr. Singh had met Admiral Dong during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Laos last November, this will be their first exchange since the four-day India-Pakistan conflict, where Chinese military hardware support to Pakistan was significant. Mr. Singh is expected to meet other Defence Ministers from the SCO states that also include Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, while sources said no meeting with the Pakistani Defence Minister is on the cards. SCO members are expected to discuss defence and security cooperation, along with the SCO's special Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS) mechanism, during the meeting. As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, Mr. Singh's participation at the SCO conference will also be watched closely for India's position. Last week, India disassociated itself from a statement issued by the SCO that had 'strongly condemned' Israel for its strikes on Iran on June 13, and said Israel's 'aggressive actions' on civilian targets and infrastructure were a 'gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter'. India said it had not been part of the discussion on the statement and issued its own separate statement.
