IIT Kharagpur signs MoU with Russian varsity to promote student, scholar exchange programmes
IIT Kharagpur and Russia's Saint Petersburg Mining University have signed an academic partnership MoU. This collaboration will facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and the development of new academic programs. The partnership aims to strengthen Indo-Russian cooperation in higher education and technological innovation, particularly in energy and earth sciences.
Migrate
A guide to Canadian permanent residence: French emerges as ‘golden ticket’; those with work experience in Canada have an edge
Proficiency in French has emerged as the most promising pathway to Canadian permanent residency, with French-language draws offering significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores. While occupation-based draws and the Canadian Experience Class remain options, French language skills provide a decisive advantage for aspiring immigrants.
The European Commission has launched a new Visa Strategy. This plan aims to strengthen security within the Schengen area. It also seeks to boost economic growth and attract skilled professionals. The strategy introduces digital procedures and promotes multiple-entry visas. Reforms will simplify long-stay visa processes for non-EU talent. This initiative makes the EU more open while ensuring secure borders.
Work
Young Professionals Scheme: UK’s special visa ballot to reopen for Indians today
Indians aged 18 to 30 can apply for the UK Young Professional Scheme. The ballot opens February 17, 2026, and closes February 19, 2026. Successful applicants can live and work in the UK for two years. This scheme is part of a UK-India partnership. A second ballot is expected in July 2026.
A US lawmaker has proposed ending the H-1B visa program. He claims corporations exploit it for cheaper foreign labor, displacing American workers. The bill aims to prioritize American citizens. This move follows increased scrutiny on visas, impacting Indian professionals. Examples of alleged displacement by companies like Microsoft, FedEx, Disney, and Southern California Edison are cited.
Web Stories
Study
IIT Kharagpur signs MoU with Russian varsity to promote student, scholar exchange programmes
IIT Kharagpur and Russia's Saint Petersburg Mining University have signed an academic partnership MoU. This collaboration will facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and the development of new academic programs. The partnership aims to strengthen Indo-Russian cooperation in higher education and technological innovation, particularly in energy and earth sciences.
Fewer Indian students are pursuing higher education overseas. Data shows a steady decline in numbers over the last three years. The government is focusing on improving domestic higher education quality. Initiatives under NEP 2020 aim to upgrade infrastructure and promote research. Foreign universities are also being invited to establish campuses in India to offer global-standard education.
study abroad scholarships
- Only applicants with an offer for the 2025 MBA are eligible
- Scholarships cover full or up to 50% of tuition fees
- The scholarship is open to applicants from a wide list of countries
- Complete and submit the OGS application form by the deadline.
- Check the OGS application guidelines before applying.
- The graduate committee will review and evaluate your application after submission.
- To be eligible, candidates must either hold a graduation degree or be enrolled in a program leading to one.
- There is no specified age requirement, and applicants can be of any age.
- Both national and international students are welcome to apply.
- Candidate must be nomination by a Canadian institution and be a doctoral student.
- Eligible doctoral programs must feature a significant research component leading to thesis or dissertation completion.
- Scholarship holders must maintain full-time enrollment, demonstrate satisfactory progress, and refrain from concurrent holding of other federal training awards.
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- They should be pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognized institution in India.
- Candidates must have at least one year left in their degree program in India.
- For Indian students pursuing eligible Master’s courses at Sussex for the September 2024 intake
- Additional £2000 ‘Tuition Fee Awards’ for Indian students enrolled in eligible master’s programs at specific schools
- Over £7,000 in Scholarships and Awards to support Indian Master’s students in the 2024 intake
- 25 scholarships are reserved for women STEM scholars from India and other South Asian countries.
- The application deadlines vary depending on the university, typically between March and April 2024.
- This scholarship is designed for female STEM graduates wanting to pursue their Masters in the UK.
- Eligible only for one-year post-graduation course
- A minimum amount of £10,000 is given to candidates chosen
- 25 UK universities will participate in the scheme this year
- 26 postgraduate GREAT scholarships on offer
- Given only to two Indian students
- You should be a fee-paying student to be considered for the scholarship
- Given for both Masters and certification programs
- Given to 50 candidates from across the globe
Invest
From Gulf to US, NRIs fly home for faster & cheaper healthcare
Non-Resident Indians are increasingly choosing India for medical treatment, driven by significantly lower costs and easier access to health insurance. Policybazaar data reveals a 126% year-on-year rise in NRI health policy purchases, with family-floater and parental policies seeing substantial growth. This trend indicates NRIs now view Indian policies as a comprehensive healthcare solution, not just for emergencies.
The Union Budget 2026-27 has eased compliance for individuals buying property from non-residents. Buyers will no longer need a TAN to deduct tax at source, instead using their PAN for reporting TDS. This change, effective October 1, simplifies the process for resident individuals and HUFs.
Visit
VFS Global urges Indians to apply early, stay alert against visa fraud ahead of peak travel season
VFS Global urges Indian travellers to apply for visas well in advance, up to 180 days before travel, to avoid stress and fraud. The company emphasizes using only official channels for appointments, which are free, and warns against third-party claims. Travelers are advised to verify appointments and report any suspicious activity to protect themselves from scams.
Morocco anticipates welcoming up to 80,000 Indian visitors this year, building on significant growth from previous years. The country is focusing on attracting group tours, MICE, FIT travelers, and older age groups, supported by e-visa facilities and targeted promotions. India is already a key source market, with aspirations to reach the top 10 rankings soon.
share it on:
A strike by workers at Kenya's main airport delays flights and strands passengers
A strike by airport workers at Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has caused significant flight delays, impacting both departures and arrivals. Passengers are urged to confirm flight status before traveling as the Kenya Airports Authority works to resolve the dispute over pay and working conditions.
