UK Visa: UK Universities Under Scrutiny for Visa Sponsorship Compliance

Three UK universities namely, University of Central Lancashire (Uclan), De Montfort University, and Nottingham Trent University, have been placed on “action plans” by the UK Home Office due to breaches in their student visa sponsorship compliance. These action plans are implemented when universities fall short of serious violations but need corrective measures to improve their processes. The Home Office’s action plans help institutions avoid more serious consequences, such as the revocation of their sponsorship licenses. These licenses are vital for enrolling international students. The specific reasons behind these actions have…

Devendra Fadnavis Returns as Maharashtra CM: Mahayuti Alliance Unites for New Govt

Devendra Fadnavis has officially taken the reins as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time. Following a decisive victory in the state assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), staked its claim to form the government. The announcement came after the BJP legislature party meeting, where Fadnavis was unanimously chosen as the leader. The three alliance leaders—Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar—met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to formalize their claim. The much-anticipated swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5…

Rajya Sabha Discusses Bill to Modernize 100-Year-Old Boiler Act

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday deliberated on The Boilers Bill, 2024, which aims to replace the century-old Boilers Act of 1923. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize boiler regulations, enhance safety measures to protect life and property from steam-boiler explosions, and standardize boiler registration across the country. Union Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the bill in the House for consideration and passage. Opposition Protests During Bill Discussion The session witnessed disruptions as opposition members protested, demanding clarifications on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement regarding India’s recent relations with…

Tearful Farewell to Alappuzha Medical College Students Lost in Tragic Road Accident

Alappuzha: The Alappuzha Government Medical College campus was filled with grief on Tuesday as the bodies of five first-year MBBS students, who tragically died in a road accident, were brought to the Medical College Central Library building. The once-busy corridor of the building, which had been full of activity until just a day earlier, now stood silent, filled with mourning family members, friends, teachers, and public visitors who came to offer their condolences and pay their final respects. The victims of the crash were Devanandan from Kottakkal in Malappuram, Sreedeep…

Top 10 Influential Women of the Year 2024

New Delhi: The Indian Alert proudly presents its list of the Top 10 Influential Women of the Year 2024, recognizing the outstanding achievements of women across diverse fields. This prestigious list highlights the contributions of women who have made a significant impact in society, showcasing their leadership, vision, and dedication to innovation. These women have broken barriers and inspired others with their relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in business, technology, education, healthcare, or social impact. Here are the Top 10 Influential Women of the Year 2024: 1. Amushree Jha –…

Advent Grand in Bethlehem Amid Ongoing Conflict: A Time for Hope and Solidarity

As Advent begins in the Holy Land for the second consecutive year amid the ongoing conflict, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, stands as a symbol of hope in the midst of hardship. Despite not being directly involved in the violence, the town continues to struggle with the economic crisis, tensions with Israeli settlers, and an increasing wave of emigration. This year, the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, inaugurated the Advent celebrations in Bethlehem. A festive atmosphere surrounded his entrance, with children lining Star Street to welcome him.…

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina blames Yunus of orchestrating mass killings, attacks against minorities

In a scathing virtual address to Awami League supporters in New York, deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus, who now heads the interim government, of orchestrating mass killings and targeting religious minorities. She blamed Yunus and his supporters, particularly student coordinators, for a series of brutal attacks against Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. Hasina emphasized that Yunus had been the mastermind behind a well-coordinated plan that resulted in widespread violence. According to Hasina, Yunus was responsible for planning the systematic killings, as well as inciting attacks on…

Hyderabad-based executive set to tie knot with PV Sindhu amid her Olympic preparations

PV Sindhu, one of India’s most decorated athletes, is set to marry Venkata Datta Sai, an executive director at Posidex Technologies, on December 22 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The two families had known each other for some time, but the finalization of the wedding plans occurred just a month ago, according to Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana. With Sindhu’s intense training schedule, particularly for the upcoming Olympic season, this was the only suitable time for the couple to tie the knot. The wedding celebrations will begin on December 20, with a reception…

Kolkata Metro to Introduce Rs 10 Surcharge on Night Service Tickets

Starting December 10, Kolkata Metro will introduce a Rs 10 surcharge on all tickets for its night service operating on the Dum Dum-New Garia corridor. This decision comes as part of an effort to address low ridership on late-night trains. The night service runs in both directions at 10:40 pm, providing a crucial transport option for night-time commuters. However, it has struggled with low passenger numbers, prompting the Metro authorities to implement the surcharge. The goal is to improve the financial viability of the service, which has lower demand compared…

SpiceJet Secures Rights for Haj Flights from Four Indian Cities, Eyes Rs.185-Cr Revenue in 2025

SpiceJet is set to generate an estimated Rs.185 crore in revenue from its Haj flight operations in 2025. The airline has secured exclusive rights to operate Haj flights from four major Indian cities—Kolkata, Guwahati, Srinagar, and Gaya. The operation will transport nearly 15,500 pilgrims, marking an 18% increase compared to the 13,000 pilgrims flown in 2024. For the upcoming season, SpiceJet will operate over 100 special Haj flights, utilizing both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft to meet the growing demand. The airline, which has been handling Haj operations since 2019, views…