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India Number One Priority, Have Reduced Wait Time For Visa: US

By LokMarg 22nd February 2023

India is the United States’ number one priority, US Visa officials said while adding that after the COVID pandemic, there has been a rise of around 36 per cent in visa processing across the country.

While addressing a media interaction organised by Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies on Tuesday, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs Julie Stufft said, “India is the number one priority that we are facing right now. We are absolutely committed to getting out of this situation. Anyone in India seeking a visa appointment or visa have to wait for that’s not certainly our ideal.”
She further stated, “So far this year, we have issued 36 per cent more visas than we did before the COVID pandemic in India. And that is a huge percentage of progress.”

Stufft also announced that come fall, the US will start the Visa stamping program domestically within the US for visa renewals, including H-1 and L-1. Visa. The Department of State representative told reporters that initiatives are in place to speed up domestic visa revalidation in certain categories on a pilot basis.

“This fall will be the first that we’ll be able to put out a call for applications. The pilot is this summer..and we’re gonna be doing it for people in worker status. So that would be H’s and L and, and I’s,” the official added.

Acknowledging that the difficulties are still being experienced, the officials said the department was also expanding its interview waiver process for some temporary workers, students and academic exchange visitors.

“All the non-visitor time or student-visa have very very low wait times and that’s really key. Our H-1B and F student’s wait time were just as high almost six months ago and so we brought down the wait time,” she added.

The H-1B visa, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Talking about the India-US relationship, Deputy Assistant Secretary for India, Nancy Jackson said that people-to-people is the most important relationship between US and India.

“As I look at the relationship it strikes me that people-to-people ties between our two nations are really the bedrock of what is one of the most consequential relationships in the world and that is the India-US relationship. And we can’t underscore that enough and so addressing the view wait time that we were facing is critical. Not only to maintain these people-to-people ties but also to expand in that space. So because of that, this issue remains a top priority,” she added.

The officials said Indian applicants who happen to be travelling for business to another country can go and apply for a US visa. Citing the example of countries like Thailand and Germany Sufft noted, “We’ve also opened up other missions and this is actually unprecedented. We’ve asked other US embassies to take on India visa applicants specifically if they choose to travel there.”

On January 21, the US Mission in India launched the first in a series of special Saturday interview days to reduce wait times for first-time visa applicants. The US Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad all opened consular operations on Saturday to accommodate applicants who require in-person visa interviews.

The US Mission will continue to open additional slots for appointments to take place on select Saturdays, according to the statement released by US Embassy in India. These additional interview days are among the measures that have been taken to address the backlog in visa processing caused by COVID-19.

The US Department of State has implemented remote processing of interview waiver cases for applicants with previous US visas. According to the statement, dozens of temporary consular officers from Washington and other embassies will arrive in India to increase processing capacity in January-March. (ANI)

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Indian Plate Moving 5 CM Every Year, Raising Possibility Of Earthquakes: NGRI

By LokMarg 22nd February 2023

A leading weather scientist and geological expert has warned that the Indian tectonic plate is moving about 5 cm every year, leading to accumulation of stress along the Himalayas and increasing the possibility of major seismic events — earthquakes — in the coming days.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Dr N Purnachandra Rao, the chief scientist and seismologist at the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), said, “The Earth’s surface comprises various plates that are constantly in motion. The Indian plate is moving about 5 cm every year, resulting in the accumulation of stress along the Himalayas and raising the possibility of major earthquakes.”
“We have a strong network of 18 seismograph stations in Uttarakhand. The region, referred to as the seismic gap between Himachal and the western part of Nepal, including Uttarakhand, is prone to earthquakes that might occur any time,” the chief scientist added.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 occurred 56 kms north of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, at 10.38 pm on Monday, the National Centre for Seismology stated.

The epicentre was at a depth of 10 kms beneath the earth’s surface, the agency said.

“An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 occurred 56km north of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh at around 10:38 pm, yesterday. The depth of the earthquake was 10 km below the ground,” the NCS said in a statement.

On February 19, an earthquake struck the town of Nandigama in Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district. No loss of lives was reported in the incident. (ANI)

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Turkey, Syria Earthquake: Modi Hails NDRF, Dog Squad Members

By LokMarg 20th February 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday heaped praise on the rescue professionals of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the dog squad members saying that they showed amazing strength and India was one of the first responders when the recent deadly earthquake hit Turkey and Syria.

PM Modi was interacting with the Indian rescue professionals of NDRF and other organizations involved in ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey.
“Our dog squad members showed amazing strength. The country is proud of you. Our culture has taught us ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. We consider the whole world as one family. When a member of the family is in trouble, it is India’s duty to help it. India was one of the first responders when the earthquake hit Turkey and Syria,” said PM Modi.

Lauding the quick response of the NDRF team during the earthquake he said that it is a reflection of the preparedness of the rescue and relief teams.

“India’s quick response during the earthquake has attracted the attention of the whole world. It is a reflection of the preparedness of our rescue and relief teams,” he said.

The Prime Minister further asserted that no matter which country, if it is about humanity, then India keeps human interest paramount.

“The whole world saw how you reached there immediately. It shows your preparedness and your training skills. The way our NDRF personnel have worked for 10 days is worth praising,” said PM Modi.

Highlighting the support provided to countries during the Covid surge he said that India is a true example of being self-sufficient and selfless.

“We have helped citizens of other nations during Covid. If an individual is able to help oneself, they can be called self-sufficient, but when an individual helps others, they are considered selfless. The same is true for nations. India is a true example of being self-sufficient and selfless,” said PM Modi.

He asserted that it is India that has helped several needy countries of the world.

“Necessary medicines and vaccines were delivered and that is why today there is goodwill for India in the world,” the PM said.

“Wherever we reach with our Tiranga, there is an assurance, since the Indian teams have arrived, the situation will get better,” he added.

Recalling the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat he said that he had then worked as a volunteer and seen the difficulties faced in rescuing people.

“We all have seen those pictures where a mother gives you a blessing by kissing on the forehead. When there was an earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, I worked as a volunteer, and I have seen the difficulties faced in rescuing people,” he said.

He further thanked the entire team for keeping the reputation of the country shining bright in such a difficult situation.

“Whatever you have done has brought glory to the country and if you institutionalise what you have learnt we can create a trust for the coming future,” he said. (ANI)

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‘Just Bowl To Get Him Out’: Users Tweet For KL Rahul

By LokMarg 19th February 2023

India opener KL Rahul’s horrid run in international cricket continues as the batter failed to fire with his willow once again during the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia at Delhi on Sunday.

Chasing a low-pressure target of 115 runs, fans anticipated opener KL and Rohit Sharma to chase it down without any hassle given that there are two days still left in the match. But KL was the first wicket to fall. Nathan Lyon trapped him for just one run, leaving India at 6/1 in 1.1 overs.
Following his dismissal, cricket fans took to Twitter to express their frustration with KL’s dismal run of form through one-liners, memes, jokes etc.

A Twitter user named Rahul Sharma posted on Twitter in a mocking tone, “Scored the crucial 1 run which Australia lead by in the 1st innings. Well played, KL Rahul.”

Another tweet from user named Drink Cricket posted a meme describing different ways of dismissing batters like Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Joe Root by pointing out their weaknesses. For KL Rahul, the meme suggested that merely bowling to him would lead to his dismissal.

A user named Kuptaan also tweeted, “If India is 200/1, KL Rahul is out If India is 100/1, KL Rahul is out If India is 50/1, KL Rahul is out If India is 0/1, KL Rahul is out If India is no loss then KL Rahul is not in the playing xi.”

Another Twitter user brought up one of KL’s old tweets playing pool captioned “pretending I know how to play” and tweeted, “KL Rahul had already given us a hint. Only if we knew what he was talking about.”

A Twitter user named Rupen also expressed his frustration with KL’s poor form with a wrestling reference. He posted a video from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)’s 2009 Royal Rumble event, which involves a battle royal requiring wrestlers to eliminate their opponents by throwing them over the top rope. He posted a video of wrestler Santino Marella, who was eliminated by Kane in just one second, which is a record for the shortest time in the Royal Rumble match.

Another Twitter user named Sachya posted a hilarious video describing “KL Rahul’s contribution in team for last 2 years”

Notably, The opener did not have a very good 2022. After missing nearly half a year worth of action, KL blew hot and cold ever since Asia Cup 2022. He did score some half-centuries but drew criticism from fans and some cricketers for his lack of attacking intent and his inability to fire during the most important matches for his team.

KL played four Tests last year in which he scored 137 runs at an average of 17.12, with one fifty. He had the best score of 50 in Tests.

In 10 ODIs last year, he scored 251 runs at an average of 27.88, with two half-centuries and the best score of 73.

In 16 T20Is in 2022, he scored 434 runs at an average of 28.93 and six half-centuries, with a best score of 62.

Overall in 30 matches last year, KL scored 822 runs at an average of 25.68, with nine half-centuries.

This year, KL has scored only 38 runs in his three Test innings. Overall, KL has scored 148 runs in five international matches across six innings at an average of 29.60 with one half-century and the best score of 64*.

Coming to the match, India won the second Test against Australia by six wickets and took a series lead of 2-0. (ANI)

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India has shown world the real meaning of “anti-fragile”: PM Modi

By LokMarg 17th February 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday explained the concept of “anti-fragile” related to the people of India in the context of challenges faced by the world in the last three years due to the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Welcoming business leaders from across the globle at ET Global Business Summit, PM Modi said, “Generally the span of three years is not very long time but if we look at the last three years, then it seems that the whole world has travelled a lot of time. When we met last time then masks were not part of our daily life. People thought that vaccines are only for children and for people suffering from deadly diseases. People must have planned their holidays. But after 5 days of ET summit of 2020, WHO declared COVID as a pandemic. Then we saw in small time the whole world changed. So too India also changed.”
“We have heard discussions about the concept of ‘anti-fragile’. A system that not only faces the adverse conditions but uses them and becomes stronger. When I heard the concept of ‘anti-fragile’ then I thought of the strength of the people of India,” he said.

PM Modi said that India has shown the world how to change any adversity into opportunity.

“In last 3 years, when the world was suffering sometimes from Covid pandemic, sometimes from war and sometimes from the challenges of natural disasters, India and Indians displayed unprecedented strength. India has shown the world the real meaning of anti-fragile,” PM Modi said.

“India has shown the world how to convert an adversity to opportunity. By studying the capability shown by India at the time of the biggest crisis in 100 years, humanity will be proud of it after 100 years,” he added. (ANI)

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Top US Lawmaker Chuck Schumer Expected To Visit India

By LokMarg 16th February 2023

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to visit India with a high-profile delegation of Senate Democrats for meetings with the Indian leadership. The details of his visit are being worked out, sources familiar with the deliberations told ANI.

An official said Democrat Senator Schumer’s office is eyeing his travel to India as early as next week and the top lawmaker will be visiting multiple countries. The Senator’s trip to India is not currently on Schumer’s public itinerary and comes at a time when US-India relations are at a high point. Schumer’s office didn’t respond to ANI’s request for a comment.
“This high-profile visit will spread across several countries including India. Schumer and the delegation are expected to stay more than a day or two and will also visit other cities apart from New Delhi,” a senior official told ANI. Apart from the political engagements, Schumer is also expected to meet with some Indian business leaders.

“This visit is a personal visit but it certainly will accelerate the steady upward momentum between the two democracies using strategic partnership, defence, trade and diaspora,” the official further added.

Earlier, ANI had reported on the US Department of State is looking at the first week of March for a possible visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and meetings in New Delhi, which would be a run-up to US President Joe Biden’s meeting with leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad.

Apart from this US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is scheduled to travel to India in March to co-chair the US-India CEO Forum and US-India Commercial Dialogue meetings with her Indian counterpart Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

On January 31, National Security Advisors and other agency heads from the United States and India met in Washington, DC for the inaugural meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, which allows the US to partner with a country looking to compete with China’s technological advances.

On Tuesday, the White House announced that Air India has agreed to a historic purchase of airplanes from Boeing. A phone call between US President Joe Biden with PM Narendra Modi took place following the “landmark announcement.”

According to a statement by the PMO, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the India-US. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which has resulted in robust growth in all domains. They also expressed a keen desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in space, semi-conductors, supply chains and defence co-production.

PM Modi invited Boeing and other US companies to make use of the opportunities arising due to the expanding civil aviation sector in India.

On Wednesday the US said that the commercial plane deal between Air India and Boeing is an opportunity to deepen an already profoundly intertwined relationship between India and the United States.

Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recently wrapped up a visit to the US during which India and US launched a program to enhance their strategic partnership. The two sides announced a set of programs whose aim is to increase the depth and scope of bilateral cooperation in cutting-edge technology, including in the defence sector.

Delegations led by Doval and his American counterpart, Jake Sullivan held a meeting in Washington for the inaugural dialogue of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

Doval also held a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks and discussed priorities for the US-India bilateral defence partnership included strengthening policy and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific region and increasing defence industrial cooperation between the two nations. (ANI)

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India Will Always Be Special Friend, Trusted Partner: Fiji PM

By LokMarg 16th February 2023

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Thursday said India stood by his country in times of great need and will always be a special friend and trusted partner.

“I’m pleased to say that India will always be a special friend and trusted partner to Fiji,” the Fiji Prime Minister said during a joint press statement with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Suva, Fiji on Thursday.
“Together we’ve built a robust multifaceted partnership which covers cooperation in all major areas of nation-building. India has stood by us in times of great need. We’re grateful to GoI for supporting us through the provision of life-saving vaccines and humanitarian assistance,” the Fijian PM said.

He appreciated PM Modi and the Indian government for their support in co-hosting the 12th World Hindi conference in Fiji.

“Fiji appreciates India’s commitment towards the development of our pacific region through collective priorities. We are more resolved now than ever to build a strong and sustainable future for families in Fiji, the Pacific and beyond,” he said.

He added: “On behalf of Govt of Fiji, I thank the government of India for realising this important cooperation. I’m confident that we will witness many more such initiatives unfolding through the deepening of our cooperation.”

The Fiji Prime Minister said further that a lot of people from his country visit India for medical treatment and education.

On the MoU on visa exemption between India and Fiji, the PM said: “We will certainly benefit, though the scale may differ.”

On whether China came up in his talks with EAM Jaishankar, Rabuka said, “We thought it was bad manners to talk about somebody who is not in the building. We spoke about our own cooperation and we’re very fortunate to have such a great power and economy talking to us.”

“We have great old friends and there is no need to look for new friends. There are no really new friends in this region. We have been friends with India, and we have been friends with China. We’ll continue our relationship,” the Fijian PM said.

Jaishankar on Thursday launched the ‘Solarization of Residences of Pacific Heads of State Project’ in the presence of Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere in Suva.

“Pleased to be call on H.E. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, President of Fiji in State House in Suva. Jointly inaugurated the Solarization of the State House. This is the first of a series that India is supporting in the Pacific Islands,” tweeted Jaishankar.

The 12th World Hindi Conference is being held in Fiji from February 15 to 17. It is being co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Fiji government. (ANI)

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Move Forward, Design India’s Destiny: Rajnath’s Mantra For Defence Start-Ups

By LokMarg 15th February 2023

Underlining the importance of start-ups in the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that from now on the country should move forward on the path of ‘Design our Destiny’.

“Today, after 75 years of independence, we have got an opportunity to move forward on the path of ‘Design our Destiny’. From now on, our mantra should be ‘Design our Destiny’, that is, we move forward towards the Design of our Destiny with our efforts, abilities and resolve; Build it,” said Rajnath Singh at the annual defence startup event ‘Manthan’.
Rajnath Singh asserted that innovation is the key step to bringing the next-generation Industrial Revolution in the country.

“If we want to bring next-generation Industrial Revolution, then either we do new things, or we try to do the existing things in a new way. The moral of the story is that we should innovate. Innovation means thinking in a new way, which youth like you can do well,” said Rajnath Singh.

Citing the example of UPI payment methods, he said that the youth of the country should do something new and think out of the box leaving the traditional things.

“We should try to do something new leaving the traditional things. A great example of this is the UPI payment method developed in our country. This method is India’s gift to the whole world, which has been developed only by youths like you,” he said.

Rajnath Singh asserted that to develop the country has to redefine the competition and not move ahead with old technologies and old systems.

“If we have to develop, then we have to redefine the competition. If we think of moving ahead with old technologies and old systems, then we will always be two centuries behind those countries. That’s why today it is necessary that we think in new ways and move forward according to those ways,” he said.

Addressing the event he also announced the launch of the Defence India Start-up Challenge, i.e. DISC-9.

“Defence Ministry has also approved a simplified and fast-track procedure for procurement from iDEX start-ups and MSMEs. iDEX has opened avenues for achieving self-reliance in defence,” he said.

He said that iDEX has been awarded the PM Award under the Innovation category. If the business of iDEX Winners expands, lakhs of people will get employment in the country.

“Start-up Manthan is a grand celebration of the journey of growth of the Indian Defense start-up ecosystem. This is an indicator of the success of our initiative “Innovations for Defense Excellence” i.e. iDEX. iDEX has so far helped many home-grown technologies to develop and move forward,” he said.

“In order to encourage our new entrepreneurs the development of larger projects, we have decided to increase the grants given so far. This shows the government’s support for the hard work, dedication, and encouragement of our innovators and start-ups,” he added.

He said that Start-up means new energy, Start-up means New Commitment, and Start-up means New Enthusiasm.

“If we have to go ahead of other countries, it is necessary for new people and start-ups to come forward. In my view, Start-up means new energy, Start-up means New Commitment, and Start-up means New Enthusiasm,” Singh said. (ANI)

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Sri Lanka Thankful To India For Jaffna Cultural Centre: Northern Province’s Governor

By LokMarg 11th February 2023

Governor of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, Jeevan Thiagarajah, on Saturday said Sri Lanka is thankful to the government and people of India for the Jaffna Cultural Centre.

“We are grateful to the government and the people of India for this endowment. It reaches out and connects with the world of art,” Thiagarajah said at an event marked for the dedication of the Jaffna Cultural Centre to the people of Sri Lanka.
Built with an Indian government grant, the centre will stand as a symbol of the growing bilateral and developmental ties between New Delhi and Colombo.

The event was also attended by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan who is on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka from February 9-12.

The governor during his address said that the Jaffna cultural centre connects with Sri Lanka’s rich regional history which celebrates art, faith and culture. “We have many architectural works from many cultures in the region,” he said.

“The government is currently designing a visa regime for people of Sri Lankan origin overseas to enable seamless, sustained access and presence. The region has several overseas cultural influences. The spiritual links aren’t mistakable,” the governor said.

He said that people from Sri Lanka travel to India to tax into opportunities in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Telangana for market access.

Located next to the iconic Jaffna Public Library, the Jaffna Cultural Centre will be the tallest building in Jaffna town. The centre was conceived as a reconciliation project and is primarily aimed at expanding cultural infrastructure for the people of Northern Province and help them reconnect with their cultural roots as well as to the rest of the country while rejuvenating the ancient cultural heritage of Jaffna.

The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that include a museum on two floors; an advanced theatre-style auditorium for more than 600 people, a single-storeyed learning tower, and a public square which could also act as an amphitheatre, among others.

It also has a temporary exhibition gallery (air-conditioned), an open exhibition gallery, a gift shop, museum stores and workshop, a 100-seat conference facility, a cafeteria, a multi-media library, lecture rooms, studios, and gallery spaces.

The Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the Jaffna centre was signed on June 9, 2014. Following its construction, the facility was virtually inaugurated during the visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to Colombo in March 2022. (ANI)

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Operation Dost: Sixth Flight Reaches Turkey With Relief Assistance

By LokMarg 9th February 2023

The sixth plane from India carrying rescue personnel, essentials, and medical equipment for earthquake relief efforts have reached Turkey, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

The sixth flight carries more rescue teams, dog squads, and essential medicines for the quake- hit country.
Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar wrote, “The sixth #OperationDost flight reaches Turkiye. More search and rescue teams, dog squads, essential search & access equipment, medicines and medical equipment ready for deployment in the relief efforts.”

On his official Twitter handle, the EAM posted pictures of a field hospital in Turkey where medical experts are preparing to treat emergencies.

Following the deadly earthquakes on February 6 the death toll in Turkey and adjoining Syria have surpassed 15,000 lives in both countries.

“This field hospital in Hatay, Turkiye will treat those affected by the earthquake. Our team of medical & critical care specialists and equipment are preparing to treat emergencies,” Jaishankar wrote on Twitter.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi said that the field hospital under ‘OperationDost’ has been set up at Iskenderun, Hatay province in Turkiye by the Indian Army.

India is providing assistance to Turkey through the ongoing crisis after earthquakes jolted the country on February 6.

Turkey’s Ambassador to India Firat Sunel has described ‘Operation Dost’ as a “very important operation” and demonstrated the friendship between the two nations.

Firat Sunel made the remarks at the Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad from where Indian Air Force’s C17 Globemaster aircraft with the NDRF team, medical equipment, relief equipment, took off for Turkey, as part of the ongoing ‘Operation Dost.’ He said, “Operation Dost is a symbolic operation. It already proves that we are friends. We have to deepen our relations.”

Speaking to ANI, Firat Sunel said, “Operation Dost is a very important operation. And this is the operation of friendship because DOST is the word in Hindi and Turkish which means friends. And this operation shows our friendship between India and Turkey and friends always help each other.

“Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, who was also present at the Hindon Airbase, has said that India stands ready to extend support to the people of
earthquake
-hit Turkey.

Speaking to ANI, Muraleedharan said that there are four teams working on the ground in Turkey, including two rescue teams, dog squads and two medical teams. He said that India has already opened a field hospital in Turkey.

The earthquake of magnitude 7.7 on the Richter scale ripped through Turkey and Syria on February 6, followed by a series of aftershocks that caused huge devastation, loss of lives and damage to infrastructure in the two countries. (ANI)