Indian students en route to Canada decreased by 41%; those going to the UK declined 27% and 13%, with Australia experiencing an annual 12 % decrease; at 2,04,058 Indian students studied in America in 2024 alone. Canada had the second-highest student enrollment at 1,37,608. China experienced a decrease as 7279 students came for studies in 2023 while only 4,978 attended in 2024. Germany, Bangladesh, Russia and Ireland saw the greatest increases in Indian students traveling for studies – at 49 per cent, 44 per cent, 34 per cent and 30 per cent increases respectively. At 34,702, Indians increased by 49 per cent traveling to Germany for studies while 31444 Russian students arrived compared to 23503 a year prior. France, Philippines and Uzbekistan all saw increases as well.

There’s something magical and evocative about seeing an old friend from school come back into town to show us something they remember from long ago – often something from when they were younger themselves! So much for my visions of an ideal world where it wouldn’t matter who ran it anymore… Numbers of Indian students traveling overseas for studies dropped 15% last year as countries tightened visa regulations, according to information provided by Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State in Education ministry, at Monday’s Lok Sabha session. He reported that 7,59,064 students studied overseas according to Bureau of Immigration (BoI). Even though this number represents a decrease from 8,92,989 students traveling overseas for education in 2023, it is slightly higher compared to 2022 when it stood at 7,50,365.

This data pertains specifically to Indian travelers who disclosed “Study/Education” as their reason for visiting foreign destinations. As per information shared with Lok Sabha earlier, BoI data for previous years shows that 2024 surpasses 2019 in terms of students heading abroad for study; during 2019, 5,86,337 went abroad to pursue their education. Canadian, United States and United Kingdom all saw significant declines (in percentage terms) as they all tightened visa regulations for immigrants. Canada became more stringent on student visa regulations following worsening diplomatic ties in 2024 which resulted in more visa rejections and scrutiny on applications for entry.

The Karnataka government has initiated an research into the alleged misuse of protocol by actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The probe also examines the potential involvement of Director General of Police (DGP) Ramachandra Rao in facilitating her unauthorized get admission to to a limited vicinity.

Incident Overview

On March 10, 2025, Ranya Rao reportedly bypassed standard security tactics at KIA, getting into through a VIP gate usually reserved for high-ranking officials and dignitaries. This breach has raised issues approximately security protocols and feasible misuse of official privileges.

Government’s Response

In reaction to the incident, the Karnataka Home Department has ordered a comprehensive research to determine:

How Rao received get entry to to the constrained region.

Whether DGP Ramachandra Rao played a role in facilitating this get entry to.

If there has been any breach of protection protocols or misuse of reputable privileges.

Official Statements

Karnataka‘s Home Minister stated, “We have taken severe note of the incident and directed an intensive investigation. Appropriate motion might be taken primarily based on the findings.”

Implications and Public Concern

This incident has sparked public challenge regarding:

Security Integrity: Ensuring that airport security protocols are upheld with out exceptions.

Accountability: Holding officials responsible if discovered complicit in protocol breaches.

Transparency: Maintaining public agree with thru obvious investigative approaches.

The investigation committee is expected to:

Review CCTV photos from the airport.

Interview airport safety employees and officers.

Obtain statements from Ranya Rao and DGP Ramachandra Rao.

The findings will guide any disciplinary actions or policy revisions to prevent future occurrences.

A recent pro-monarchist rally in Kathmandu, Nepal, has sparked controversy due to the display of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s photographs alongside those of former King Gyanendra Shah. The event, organized to welcome Gyanendra upon his return from a religious tour, saw supporters advocating for the reinstatement of the monarchy, which was abolished in 2008.

The Rally and Display of Photographs

As Gyanendra, 77, arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara, hundreds of loyalists, including leaders and cadres of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), greeted him. Supporters, riding motorbikes and waving national flags, lined the roads outside the airport. Notably, some displayed photographs of Yogi Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s images, a move that quickly drew criticism from various political factions and the public on social media.

Allegations and Denials

In response to the backlash, RPP spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi alleged that the display of Adityanath’s photograph was a deliberate attempt by the K P Oli-led government to malign the pro-monarchist movement through infiltration. He claimed that Bishnu Rimal, chief advisor to Prime Minister Oli, orchestrated the move. Rimal, however, refuted these allegations, stating that they were “an illusion created through disinformation by disqualified people who accidentally reached a responsible position.”

Background and Ongoing Pro-Monarchist Activities

Supporters of the former king have been actively rallying in various parts of Nepal, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy. Their activities have intensified since Democracy Day in February, when Gyanendra remarked, “Time has come for us to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity.”

Public Reaction and Social Media Discourse

The incident has ignited debates on social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on the display of Adityanath’s photographs at the rally. Some view it as an external influence on Nepal’s internal affairs, while others see it as a reflection of the deepening ties between certain political factions in Nepal and India.