Latest news with #VishuAdhana
India Gazette
13 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
"Shouldn't worry, all our assets abroad are safe": Pranav Adani amid Israel-Iran tensions
By Vishu Adhana New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): Amid ongoing conflict in West Asia, Adani Enterprises Director Pranav Adani on Wednesday assured that the group's overseas assets remain secure. 'There are concerns, but luckily, all our assets abroad are safe. We shouldn't worry about it,' he told reporters on the sidelines of the Chintan Research Foundation's foundation day event. His remarks came as markets react to the worsening geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone fell for the seventh straight session, slipping 2.5% to Rs 1,338. Among the key concerns is the Haifa Port in northern Israel, which the Adani Group acquired in early 2023. The strategic facility, a crucial Indian commercial asset in the region, is operating under the shadow of regional conflict, particularly amid fears of escalation between Israel and Iran. Speaking at ANI, Pranav Adani also outlined the vision of the Chintan Research Foundation, which he said will focus on 'climate change, geopolitical issues and economic entry' as its initial areas of research. 'Evidence-based research has many responsibilities. These three pillars will be our starting point,' he said. He emphasised the need to focus on India's heartland. 'India is not only Delhi or the capital cities. The real India lives in Ranchi, Raipur, Bhubaneswar and the Northeast... That's where inclusive growth should be centred,' he said. CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi said the foundation aims to tackle hard truths and propose solutions with a focus on zero-emission goals, inclusive prosperity, and the Global South's emergence. 'The most challenging thoughts lead to the most rewarding destinations,' he said. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
Chandigarh tops school education performance index, scores dip in 12 states
By Vishu Adhana New Delhi [India], June 18 (ANI): Chandigarh has emerged as the top performer in the Education Ministry's Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2023-24, even as 12 states and UTs -- including Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Bihar -- saw a dip in school education performance from the previous year. The sharpest improvement was seen in Delhi (623.7), which jumped 44 points from the previous year (2022-23), followed by Himachal Pradesh and Haryana with a 41-point gain each, as per the PGI released on Wednesday. Chandigarh is the best performer, scoring 703 (as compared to 687.8 in 2022-2023) and becoming the only state or UT to be placed in the top Prachesta-1 grade (score range: 701-760). Delhi, Punjab (631.2), and Gujarat (614.4) entered the Prachesta-3 category (581-640), alongside Odisha, Kerala, DNHⅅ, Haryana, Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The biggest decline was recorded by Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which dropped 43 points, followed by Chhattisgarh (-39), Lakshadweep (-33), West Bengal (-14), Karnataka (-12), Bihar (-12), Uttarakhand (-12), Kerala (-8), Mizoram (-7), Ladakh (-6), Tamil Nadu (-4), and Jharkhand (-4). The Performance Grading Index (PGI), launched in 2017-18 by the Ministry of Education, is a data-driven framework to assess the performance of states and UTs in school education States are evaluated out of 1,000 points and grouped into grade bands ranging from Daksh (91-100%) to Akankshi-3 (up to 10 percent). In 2023-24, PGI scores ranged from a high of 703 (Chandigarh) to a low of 417 (Meghalaya). The latter remained the only state in the lowest Akankshi-3 category. Ten states/UTs were placed in Prachesta-3, 14 in Akankshi-1 (521-580), 10 in Akankshi-2 (461-520), and one in Akankshi-3. Despite the setbacks in some states, overall improvement was observed in 24 states/UTs compared to the previous year. The performance gap between the top and bottom scorers has also narrowed over the years -- from 51 percent in 2017-18 to 42 percent in 2023-24 -- which the Education Ministry attributes to evidence-based monitoring through PGI and policy initiatives like the Look East strategy. The PGI-D 2023-24 assessed 788 districts, up from 768 the previous year due to administrative bifurcations in Delhi and Rajasthan. Notably, Barnala district in Punjab was the only one to achieve the Uttam 2 grade (71 percent-80 percent) this year -- a band that had no representation in 2022-23. The number of districts in Prachesta-1 (51 percent-60 percent) rose from 204 to 281, while those in Prachesta-2 (41 percent-50 percent) increased from 279 to 355. Districts in the lowest grade bands shrank significantly, with Prachesta-3 districts dropping from 226 to 110, and Akankshi districts from 23 to just one -- Meghalaya. (ANI)
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Haven't slept in three nights," Indian students in Iran urge evacuation amid escalating strikes
By Vishu Adhana Tehran [Iran], June 16 (ANI): Amid ongoing waves of tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran, hundreds of Indian students in Iran are urging the government to evacuate them immediately. Many students from Jammu and Kashmir are studying in various universities across Iran, including Shahid Beheshti University and Iran University of Medical Science. 'I woke up at 2:30 am on Friday to loud explosions and rushed to the basement. We haven't slept since,' said Imtisal Mohidin. With blasts reported just a few kilometres from student hostels and apartments, fear is mounting -- and so is the plea to the Government of India: evacuate us before it's too late. Imtisal, a 22-year-old third-year MBBS student at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, said that over 350 Indian students are enrolled in his university alone. 'We are stuck inside our apartment basement. We hear blasts every night. One of the explosions was just 5 km away. We haven't slept in three days,' he told ANI over the phone. Originally from Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, he adds that the university has suspended classes and students are avoiding movement due to the bombardment. Shahid Beheshti University attracts Indian nationals for its affordable and reputable MBBS programme. Notably, three Iranian nuclear scientists, who were killed in Israel's attack in Iran, were professors at Shahid Beheshti University. While the university administration has remained in touch with students, those with whom ANI spoke, they mostly rely on Indian Embassy advisories and coordination for safety instructions and next steps. 'We request the Government of India to evacuate us before the situation worsens. The Embassy has shared helplines and is in touch, but we are frightened and need to go home,' said Mohidin. In a fresh public advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin to stay indoors and monitor official channels. 'We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram link to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram link is ONLY for those Indian nationals who are currently in Iran,' it said in a post on X. Moreover, the Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian students studying in Iran amid the current security situation, according to a statement from the Minister of External Affairs. The Embassy is continuously monitoring the situation and engaging with students to provide support and assistance. 'The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety. In some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy's facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination. Further updates will follow. Separately, the Embassy is in touch with community leaders regarding welfare and safety,' read a statement from the Minister of External Affairs. Faizan Nabi, a first-year MBBS student at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, said that though Kerman is comparatively safer than Tehran, the panic is spreading fast. 'We heard gunshots in our city today. My friends in Tehran are terrified. We were advised to store drinking water for 3-4 days. That's how bad it is,' he said. A resident of Srinagar, Faizan added, 'I've been getting 10 calls a day from my parents. The internet is so slow that I can't even send a WhatsApp message quickly. We came here to become doctors. Now we're just trying to stay alive.' Midhat, a fourth-year MBBS student at Iran University of Medical Science, said the first night of strikes was the most horrifying. 'The blasts were not far -- just a few kilometres away. Everyone was panicking. My family keeps checking on me. We're constantly monitoring the news,' said the student from Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir. While she said the Indian Embassy was in touch through WhatsApp, she added that her university hasn't provided much support. 'Most of us are scared and staying inside. We don't know how long this will go on,' she said. With Iranian airspace restricted and no clear timeline on when the violence will ebb, the students now await the one thing they say can bring their families peace -- a flight home. (ANI)
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Germany 'eager' to host Indian students amid US visa pause, sees 35 per cent surge in university applications
By Vishu Adhana New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Amid growing uncertainty around student visa processes in several Western countries, Germany is positioning itself as a stable and reliable 'alternative' for Indian students, saying, 'we are not erratic and volatile,' and promising a secure academic environment. The German Embassy in India reported a 35 per cent surge in applications to German universities from India over the past months, reflecting growing interest in the country's higher education system. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann said, 'In the context of the difficulties Indian students face in other countries, we have seen a sharp rise in interest for German universities and research institutions. Applications have increased by over 35 per cent in the last couple of months.' Currently, around 50,000 Indian students are studying in Germany, making it one of the top five study destinations for Indians after the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. In what appeared to be a subtle remark of growing scrutiny in other nations, Ambassador Ackermann assured Indian students of Germany's transparent and stable system. 'We are a very reliable partner. When it comes to studying or researching in Germany, we don't check your social media before you arrive,' he said. The ambassador also highlighted that most state-run universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. When they do, the fees are nominal compared to those in Anglo-Saxon countries. 'We believe education is a public good, not a business opportunity,' he said. The ambassador's remarks come amidst the backdrop of a crackdown on foreign students in the US. US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. Dr Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Regional Office in New Delhi, was also present at the press interaction. German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a funding organisation that supports international students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in Germany. She emphasised that Indian students should avoid using commercial agents, noting that applications can be submitted independently through university websites. 'Most public universities in Germany do not work with agents. Our system is transparent and accessible. Students can get free counselling from DAAD and German university liaison offices in India,' Dr Lasch said. DAAD also highlighted that Germany offers over 2,300 English-language programs, including opportunities for international students to pursue PhDs, with strong career support and pathways into the labour market. Germany is facing a significant demand for skilled professionals, especially in STEM fields. 'We are looking for the smartest, most dedicated students--those who are eager to contribute and grow. And we see that in Indian students,' Ambassador Ackermann said. Post-graduation, students are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for employment, and once placed, they can easily extend their residence permits. Officials stressed Germany's commitment to being a reliable, non-volatile partner in international education, especially as students face delays and unpredictability in countries like the US. 'Germany is very eager and happy to welcome Indian students. In these turbulent times, we offer not just world-class education but also a stable, inclusive, and trustworthy system,' Ackermann concluded. (ANI)
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We stand with nation": Jamia Millia Islamia also cuts ties with Turkish Institutions
By Vishu Adhana New Delhi [India], May 15 (ANI): Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish educational institutions, amid escalating calls across the country to boycott Turkey over its vocal support for Pakistan during the recent conflict. Speaking to ANI, Professor Saima Saeed, PRO of Jamia Millia Islamia, said, ' We have suspended all MoUs with institutions affiliated with Turkey. Jamia stands with the nation and the Government of India.' The development follows Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) suspension of its academic agreement with Inonu University in Malatya, Turkiye, citing national security concerns. JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit also called out Turkey for supporting Pakistan, saying: 'Turkey has openly backed Pakistan, and that cannot be ignored.' The MoU, signed on February 3, 2025, with Inonu University in Malatya, Turkey, was meant to run till 2028. 'JNU is fully subsidised by Indian citizens. If the Indian state is being undermined, how can we continue ties with a country like Turkey? As an academic and citizen, my security is at risk--and that of every Indian,' JNU VC has said. India's higher education institutions are not the only ones reacting. The wider public has also launched an informal boycott campaign against Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which have been accused of supporting Pakistan diplomatically and militarily. Leading Indian travel platforms like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have reported a surge in cancellations of travel bookings to both countries. Many users cited the nations' 'anti-India stance' and their support for Pakistan during the ongoing conflict as the reason. Public anger further intensified after it was revealed that Turkey had supplied advanced military technology, including drones, to Pakistan. On the night of May 8, Indian defence forces intercepted and neutralised between 300 and 400 drones allegedly launched from Pakistan across a wide swath of Indian territory--from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the south. Preliminary forensic investigations have confirmed that many of the drones were Turkish-made, reportedly the Asisguard Songar combat drone model. (ANI)
