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UGC approves 2 admission cycles for Indian Universities: A game changer for Students

OpIndia Staff
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UGC approves 2 admission cycles for Indian Universities: A game changer for Students

On 11th June, the University Grants Commission (UGC) allowed Universities and higher education institutions to offer admissions twice a year. The system of biannual admissions is common in foreign universities. With UGC’s go-ahead, Indian students will soon have the option to apply to a college twice a year. According to UGC Chief Jagadesh Kumar, there will be two admission cycles, that are July-August and January-February from 2024-25 academic sessions.

At the moment, universities and colleges in India offer only one admission cycle per year that falls in July-August. All the Higher Education Institutions in India follow the academic session that starts in July-August and ends in May-June.

Speaking to media, Jagadeesh Kumar said, “If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students such as those who missed admission to a university in the July-August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons.”

He added, “If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students such as those who missed admission to a university in the July-August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons.”

Kumar said that universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. If Indian Higher Education Institutes adopt this system, it will enhance such institutes’ international collaborations and student exchanges. “As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards,” he added.

One of the main issues that universities may face while offering a biannual admission cycle is the availability of resources. Kumar emphasised that the institutes that already have the infrastructure and can realign it to provide admission options twice a year may opt for such a system. He said, “As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards,” Kumar said”.

Notably, UGC has not mandated the biannual admission system. HEIs and Universities are free to continue with a single admission cycle as they do at the moment. Kumar said, “If HEIs adopt biannual admissions, they need to work on administrative intricacies, good planning for increased use of available resources, and providing seamless support systems for the smooth transition of students admitted at dissimilar times of the year. HEIs can maximize the usefulness of biannual admissions only when they sufficiently prepare faculty members, staff and students for the transition.”

Interestingly, biannual admissions in open and distance learning (ODL) and online modes in January and July during an academic year were allowed by UGC last year. Kumar said that after UGC allowed biannual admissions last year, HEIs informed on the UGC portal that a total of 19,73,056 students enrolled in July (regular cycle) and an additional 4,28,854 students joined in January 2023 in ODL and online programs. Around 22% of additional admissions was a notable boost for the institutions.

Mixed reaction from universities

Though the decision is a welcoming move for the students, UGC’s announcement received mixed reactions from universities as they expressed concerns that the current academic structure is not suited for such an arrangement. Speaking to Hindustan Times, an unnamed Delhi University official said, “We are dependent on the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which is conducted around May. UGC has not given any clear guidelines on whether the January admission cycle will happen through CUET or entrance exams.”

The concern was addressed by Kumar who said that it will be up to the universities to decide their admission process.

Amity University Vice Chancellor Balvinder Shukla although seemed happy with the decision, he too expressed concerns about the Indian institutions having the required infrastructure for the biannual admission cycle. He said, “There are a lot of things to consider before jumping into a decision. Moreover, school academic sessions and the beginning of college admissions are aligned in a certain way. There is a possibility that applications during the January cycle will be very low.”

Experts believe that universities have to come up with meticulous planning to implement a biannual admission cycle. However, they added that such an arrangement is “in sync with the National Education Policy (NEP) and will only bring us closer to international standards”.

‘Ploy to disturb the Amarnath Yatra’: Jammu ADGP on the Kathua terror attack

ANI
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‘Ploy to disturb the Amarnath Yatra’: Jammu ADGP on the Kathua terror attack

One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing gunfight in the border area of Hiranagar in Kathua district after ultras attacked a house in Saida Sukhal village here, a senior police officer said.

The search operation is on to nab the other terrorist, said Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu.

“They also fired at civilians. One terrorist has been killed and a search for the other one is going on,” he said.

The Jammu ADGP further said that the attack seems to be a ploy to disturb the Amarnath Yatra.

“As Amarnath yatra is approaching, this seems to be a ploy to disturb the yatra. One civilian is injured and there is no hostage situation,” Jain said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh also took to his official X handle and posted, “I am in continuous online contact with DC Kathua Rakesh Minhas in the wake of a terrorist attack on a house in village Saida in Hiranagar sector close to the International Border. I am also in touch with SSP Kathua Sh Anayat Ali Choudhary who is on the spot. The owner of the house that was attacked (name not to be disclosed) is also in touch on mobile phone. A joint police and para-military operation are going on. One terrorist neutralised so far. I and my office are in constant touch and keeping a close watch on the developments.”

Earlier, after gunshots were heard in the village Saida Sukhal near Koota Mode under the Hiranagar police station area of Kathua in late Tuesday evening, Station house officer (SHO) Hiranagar and Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) rushed to the spot.

As per the police, the terrorists had asked for water from a few houses to which villagers grew suspicious and slammed the doors on them. The terrorists panicked and fired randomly in the air and also at villagers who were passing by.

One terrorist got killed while lobbing a grenade at the police party while the search for the other terrorist was on, police said.

Meanwhile, two civilians injured in firing by terrorists in Hiranagar were initially brought to the Hiranagar hospital for treatment. However, they were shifted to Kathua Government Medical College (GMC) for further treatment.

Police with the help of CRPF have cordoned the area. A search party is clearing the houses one by one. So far, one family of husband and wife has been evacuated to hospital.

The Jammu & Kashmir police also urged the citizens to wait for authentic information and not indulge in spreading different narratives that are unverified. Citing it as a national security challenge posed by hostile elements from across, the police said in a statement, “Citizens are requested to assist and cooperate with the police in completing the operation logically and successfully so that the terrorists are killed and simultaneously the injured (if found) are evacuated for treatment.

Notably, two encounters going on right now, one in Kathua’s Hiranagar and the other one in Chattergala Baderwah in Doda district.

“#Army and #Police joint Naka has engaged #terrorist in area of Chattargala area of #Doda . Firefight is going on. More details to follow,” the ADGP said in a post on X.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists open fire at Indian Army operating base in Doda, three personnel injured; third attack in last three days

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists open fire at Indian Army operating base in Doda, three personnel injured; third attack in last three days

After Reasi and Kathua, terrorists attacked a temporary Indian Army operating base in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda area on Tuesday, June 11. This is the third such attack in the Jammu region in the last three days.

Operations are underway. One terrorist was neutralised, and a civilian was injured. Five soldiers and a special police officer (SPO) were injured in the shootout.

On the Doda incident, Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, who is supervising the anti-terrorist operation said that late last night, terrorists opened fire on a police and Rashtriya Rifles combined team at an army base in the Chattargala area. An encounter is underway between the security forces and the terrorists in the higher reaches, he said.

“One terrorist was neutralised, and one civilian was injured but is now out of danger. The operation is still ongoing, and senior officers are at the spot,” he added.

This terrorist attack in the Doda district occurred just hours after terrorists opened fire on a house in the Hiranagar area of Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the police, one of the two terrorists who engaged in the attack in Kathua yesterday night has been killed. Drones are currently being used by security personnel in Kathua’s Hiranagar area to search for the second one.

According to the authorities, the locals became suspicious of the terrorists after they asked for water from multiple homes, and they resorted to shooting when someone raised an alarm.

Denying media reports that three people died in the Kathua attack, Jain confirmed that one civilian was injured in the firing.

“There are rumours that many people are injured and three are dead. But only one civilian was injured, other than this all information regarding hostages being held and death, are rumours,” he said.

The Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone called the Kathua attack a “fresh infiltration” and hinted at Pakistan without explicitly naming it.

The first attack was on June 9, Sunday, at Reasi when the terrorists opened fire at a 53-seater bus when it was en route from Shiv Khori temple to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra near Teryath village in the Poni area. The bus veered off the road and fell into the steep valley. At least 10 people, including a child and three women, were killed and more than 40 others were injured in the deadly attack.

USA: Joe Biden’s son Hunter convicted in all three felony charges at federal gun trial, had lied about his drug habit

ANI
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USA: Joe Biden’s son Hunter convicted in all three felony charges at federal gun trial, had lied about his drug habit

Hunter Biden, the eldest living son of the US president, has been convicted of all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver when, prosecutors argued, the president’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs, CNN reported.

The jury, which deliberated for just under three hours, returned guilty verdicts on all three charges, which stemmed from a revolver Hunter Biden bought in October 2018 at a Delaware gun shop.

The first two counts were for lying about his drug use on a federal background check form, and the third count was for possessing a gun while addicted to, or using, illegal drugs.

His trial on gun charges began on June 3.

According to CNN. the former president’s son is accused of lying on federal documents regarding his drug usage at the time of the weapon’s purchase, obtaining a revolver illegally while under the influence of narcotics.

After the verdict, Hunter left the courtroom with his wife. US District Judge Maryellen Noreika stated that she would set the sentencing date later.

According to reports, on two charges, Hunter may face a sentence of up to 10 years and in the third case, he may face prison for up to five years, as per CNN.

This is the first time that the child of a US president has been tried on criminal charges and convicted.

Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to USD 750,000 at sentencing, though he likely will receive far less than the maximum as a first-time offender.

Before dismissing the parties, the judge told them sentencing is usually set for 120 days following a verdict, which means it is likely to happen before Election Day.

Prosecutors declined to comment following the verdict. Hunter Biden is expected to issue a written statement, a source familiar with the matter said.

In the moments following the verdict, after court ended, Hunter Biden turned around to his legal team and flashed a brief smile, perhaps stunned by the outcome, before hugging all of his attorneys and patting them on the back.

As he exited, Hunter Biden gave kisses and hugs to family members and friends in the courtroom, almost like a receiving line. His friend and financial backer, Kevin Morris, walked out with his arms crossed. Some of the supporters looked stunned.

Valerie Biden, President Biden’s sister, entered the courtroom a few minutes after the verdict was read.

Leaving the courthouse after the verdict, Hunter Biden shuffled his family members into an elevator as he held hands with his wife. He smiled briefly and left. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Jammu & Kashmir: 35-year old chemist Amarjit Sharma found dead with his throat slit open in Kathua

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu & Kashmir: 35-year old chemist Amarjit Sharma found dead with his throat slit open in Kathua

On Sunday night, June 9, a Hindu Chemist Amarjit Sharma was found dead in Kathua in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir with this throat slit open. Sharma was found dead outside his house in Mela village by his family members after they started searching for him when he didn’t return home, officials said

Following the brutal murder of Amarjit Sharma, his relatives and neighbours demanded immediate arrest of the unidentified culprits who murdered Sharma.

Following the murder, hundreds of people, carrying Amarjit Sharma’s body, blocked Jammu-Pathankot highway and the nearby railway track in nearby Hiranagar area on Monday morning. The Police and local authorities assured the protestors that a case has been registered and investigation is on, after that assurance, the protestors dispersed.

The protest ended nearly two hours after it started following the assurance by local authorities.

Notably, in same Hiranagar area of Kathua, gunshots were reportedly heard by villagers on Tuesday, June 11, police said. Upon receiving the information, the police rushed to the spot. Further details are awaited.

Jammu & Kashmir: Two days after the tragic Reasi terror attack, Gunshots heard in Hiranagar area of Kathua

ANI
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Jammu & Kashmir: Two days after the tragic Reasi terror attack, Gunshots heard in Hiranagar area of Kathua

Two days after the terror attack in Reasi in which ten pilgrims were killed, gunshots were reportedly heard by villagers in the Hiranagar area of Kathua on Tuesday, police said. Upon receiving the information, the police rushed to the spot. Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan confirmed on Sunday night that at least 10 people were killed in the terror attack and 33 others were injured.

According to officials, the bus, en route from the Shiv Khori shrine to Katra, was targetted by terrorists at around 06.10 pm when it reached Pouni area of Reasi district bordering Rajouri district. “Terrorists opened fire, causing the driver to lose control and the bus to plunge into a gorge,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma told ANI.

The SSP further said that the rescue operations are complete and the injured have been taken to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and assured action against those behind it. “I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences to the family members of the martyred civilians. Our security forces and JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists,” the LG said in a post on X.

“PM Narendra Modi Ji took stock of the situation and has asked me to constantly monitor the situation. All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance,” the J-K LG added.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Pakistani fans used to shatter their TVs over cricket matches, this time, a security guard killed a YouTuber when asked about the India-Pakistan match

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistani fans used to shatter their TVs over cricket matches, this time, a security guard killed a YouTuber when asked about the India-Pakistan match

After high-octane clashes between India and Pakistan in the past, there were often reports from Pakistan about fans breaking their TVs, emotionally breaking down on social media, or the national team changing its captain or coach. However, this time, it has gone to an extreme.

In Karachi, which is considered the economic capital of Pakistan, a security guard killed a YouTuber over a question about the much-hyped cricket match. Notably, the YouTuber was asking people questions about the India-Pakistan match in the T20 Cricket World Cup, but the security guard got angry and ended up shooting him dead.

(Video Courtesy – Pakistani news channel Geo News TV)

According to reports, the YouTuber’s name was Saad Ahmed. He was 24 years old and the father of two children. Saad used to make vlogs for his YouTube channel. He was taking video bites from people in Karachi’s mobile market. During this time, he tried to ask the security guard something, but the angry security guard shot him at point-blank range. Saad immediately fell to the ground. People tried to lift and help him for a few seconds and rushed him to the hospital, but he died on the way.

The police arrested the accused security guard on the same day (5th June). The accused guard claimed that he did not know how the bullet was fired from the gun. He said that he does not know how to use a gun. He also mentioned that he is the father of five children and does not know what will happen to them now. This news from Karachi has left everyone shocked.

It is pertinent to note that this news reached the people of India after the ICC T-20 Cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan had already concluded. In a close contest, India defeated Pakistan by 6 runs. The Indian batters posted a low score of 119 runs in 20 overs. However, when Pakistan came out to bat, they struggled to chase down a run-a-ball target and scored only 113 runs in their quota of 20 overs. After the humbling defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India, Pakistani cricket fans have been venting their anger at their national team.

Pakistan: Islamists vandalise dilapidated Ram Temple in Sindh, desecrate, and cover Hindu religious symbols with spray paint, steal deities’ Idols, and copies of Geeta

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Islamists vandalise dilapidated Ram Temple in Sindh, desecrate, and cover Hindu religious symbols with spray paint, steal deities’ Idols, and copies of Geeta

The Islamist attacks on Hindu temples have been rampant in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with two major incidents of vandalism and theft being reported in less than a month from the country’s Sindh province. While, Pakistani mainstream media has often blackened out reports of persecution of minorities, according to Rights watchers and minority groups, Islamists didn’t even spare a dilapidated Ram temple in the Kacchi Colony of the Tando Adam area in Sindh. 

According to the information received, on 7th June, Islamist miscreants caused vandalism at the dilapidated temple in the Kacchi Colony in an overnight attack. They desecrated the Hindu temple and stole idols of Hindu deities and several copies of Geeta, the Holy Book despite the temple doors being locked. They also covered revered Hindu religious symbols including Om with spray paint.

https://twitter.com/hindurefugees/status/1799439854742421690

https://twitter.com/voice_minority/status/1800417579682476436

Last month, Islamists looted and desecrated an ancient Hindu temple in Sochi Pada, Tando Adam which falls in Sindh’s Nawabshah district. 


According to reports, the robbers stormed the temple by breaking the main gate and indulged in vandalism. The incident occurred at the revered temple dedicated to Hindu Lord Ramapir. The theft included a silver idol and crown of Lord Ramapir. They also stole jewelry worth lakhs, cash worth around Rs 70,000 from a donation box, and other valuable items. The attack sparked outrage among the local Hindu community and raised concerns about the safety and preservation of religious sites in the region.

https://twitter.com/voice_minority/status/1791733493849821417

“Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday took notice of the theft of idols and other valuables from the “Rama Pir” temple in Tando Adam and has sought a report from concerned authorities,” Pakistani outlet ARY News reported on 17th May, this year. 

(Video Courtesy – Pakistani News Channel ARY News)

According to the ARY News report, Sindh CM Shah directed the IG Police to recover all stolen goods including idols, and sought a report. Murad Ali Shah said that no high-handedness toward minorities would not be tolerated (sic). 

The report added that CM Murad Ali Shah also directed the IG Sindh to submit a progress report regarding the recovery of the child abducted three days ago from Pano Aqil. He also sought a report regarding the recovery of the abductees in the last three days. 

It is pertinent to note that the Rama Pir temple is one of the third largest pilgrimage sites for the Hindus in Sindh. It is situated in the heart of Tando Allayar in Sindh. Thousands of local Hindus visit the temple to seek blessings. 

In the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Hindu temples have been prone to incidences of looting and desecration, with the Pakistani establishment accused of being in cohorts with the Islamists in these attacks.  

It has been reported that Hindu temples have been converted into Mosques, Madrasas, chicken shops, cattle farms, and sometimes even toilets, underscoring the atrocities against minority Hindus and their places of worship.

Amidst a string of attacks on Hindu temples in Pakistan, two major incidents were reported last year. In November 2023, Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Sindh and the UNESCO-recognised site Sharda Peeth Temple were demolished.  

Earlier, in July 2023, over 150-year-old Hindu temple was bulldozed to the ground in Karachi, and another Mandir was attacked by ‘rocket launchers’ in Sindh. Both incidents took place within less than 24 hours. 

Mumbai ATS nabs four illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, recovers fake Indian documents, two of them even voted in Lok Sabha elections using fake IDs

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai ATS nabs four illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, recovers fake Indian documents, two of them even voted in Lok Sabha elections using fake IDs

On 11th June, the Mumbai anti-terrorism squad (ATS) arrested four illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in Mumbai, Maharashtra, who were using fake Indian documents. The accused have been identified as 33-year-old Riyaz Hussain Shaikh, 54-year-old Sultan Siddique Shaikh, 46-year-old Ibrahim Shafiullah Sheikh and 39-year-old Farooq Usmangani Shaikh. All of them hail from Kabit Haat of Moninangar in district Novakhali of Bangladesh.

The ATS identified five more Bangladeshis living in the city using fake Indian documents. A search operation has been initiated to apprehend them. Reports suggest that the arrested illegal immigrants also obtained voter cards and cast votes in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The voter cards were obtained using fake Indian documents.

ATS has booked the illegal immigrants under Sections 465, 468, 471, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 12(1A) of the Indian Passport Act. Reportedly, the case against them has been registered for illegally staying in India. ATS also found out that the illegal Bangladeshis obtained proof that they went to live in Surat, Gujarat. They had obtained passports from Surat. According to ABP News report, they prepared fake documents in Gujarat and shifted to Mumbai. Riyaz and Sultan reportedly voted in Mumbai using the voter cards obtained from fake documents.

One of the five other Bangladeshis for whom ATS is looking for reportedly went to Saudi Arabia using Indian passports obtained using false documents. Rest of them are absconding and the investigating agencies are looking for them.

All of the arrested accused were produced in court by ATS. Three were sent to judicial custody while one of the them was sent to ATS custody till 14th June.

Nine illegal Bangladeshi women arrested earlier in Mumbai

Earlier, 9 female illegal Bangladeshis were arrested from areas around Mira Road, Mumbai. On 7th June, MBVV (Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar) police authorities announced that nine Bangladeshi women have been arrested in a major crackdown on illegal immigration for overstaying in India without the necessary documents. Another woman has also been apprehended for providing them with refuge. On 5th June, the Naya Nagar police carried out a raid in the Shanti Nagar and Gita Nagar areas of Mira Road based on confidential information, which led to the action.

‘Look for new born babies, infants with no teeth’: Youtuber ‘Kuwari Begum’ teaches child sexual abuse to her followers, video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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‘Look for new born babies, infants with no teeth’: Youtuber ‘Kuwari Begum’ teaches child sexual abuse to her followers, video goes viral

On Monday (10th June), a video of a YouTube creator named Shikha Metray, teaching her followers to sexually abuse infants, went viral on social media.

The accused had posted the disturbing video on her YouTube channel ‘Kuwari Begum.’ In the video, she could be heard saying, “If I had a d*ck, I would have made a tutorial on masturbation. I could have then shared tips on how masturbation can be made to feel better.”

“I would have also explained why you should masturbate. Find an infant who doesn’t even have teeth. Seek permission from the child’s mother to take the child somewhere and do something,” Shikha Metray laid out her ground plan to sexually abuse children.

“I am not so sorry. If I would have a d*ck, then, I would have tried it. Imagine children without teeth. Wow. It would be one heck of an experience,” she continued.

The revelations were made after a X (formerly Twitter) user named Gagan Chaudhary (@Gagan_772). A screenshot shared by the user showed that Shikha Metray had 2000 followers on YouTube and that she had uploaded about 115 videos (mostly comprising of sexual content).

Gagan also identified a Vogue profile and her account on X (formerly Twitter). OpIndia could find cached versions of her YouTube and Instagram channels, which have been deactivated since the expose by the X user.

Popular Men’s rights activist, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, informed that the accused hails from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and has graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Bhardwaj has tagged the Ghaziabad police and also demanded action from National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chief Priyank Kanoongo.

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