Thursday, May 01
Canada has updated its visa policy, shifting away from long-term multiple-entry visas. Visa officers will now decide whether to issue single or multiple-entry visas with varying durations. This change, coupled with existing processing delays, is expected to significantly impact Indian travelers, particularly those visiting family or tourist destinations like Alaska and Niagara.
NCP chief Ajit Pawar declared that he will campaign for Nawab Malik in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, despite allegations linking Malik to Dawood Ibrahim. Pawar defended Malik, stating that no charges have been proven. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, however, refused to support Malik, leading to a four-way contest in the Mankhurd Shivajinagar constituency.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge had called Modi "chief of liars" at a Jharkhand rally, accusing him of not fulfilling promises. Rijiju defended Modi, highlighting his global standing and referencing a congratulatory call from former US President Donald Trump.
Several Indian states, including Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have declared public holidays for Chhath Puja, a festival honoring the Sun God. The holiday, falling on November 7th, will also close schools in some states to accommodate the festival's rituals.
India's Home Minister, Amit Shah, has called for the strengthening of the Hindi language. Shah emphasized developing a long-term policy to enhance and preserve Hindi literature and grammar. He also proposed translating all modern education curricula into Hindi and other Indian languages. Shah believes these steps will solidify Hindi's position as the country's 'link language'.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar urged BJP workers to encourage women to become BJP members by promising them benefits under the Annapurna Yojana if the party comes to power in Bengal. This statement drew criticism from the Trinamool Congress.
An under-construction bullet train bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Anand district, trapping workers under the debris. Rescue teams are working to save those trapped, with two workers already rescued. The bridge is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
An under-construction bullet train bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Anand district, trapping workers under the debris. Rescue teams are working to save those trapped, with two workers already rescued. The bridge is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
