India urges merit-based visa process as US mandates 5-year social media disclosure
The Indian government has responded to recent US visa requirements mandating that applicants disclose all social media platforms they have used over the past five years. The response came after a series of advisories from the US Embassy in India outlining the tightening of visa regulations, citing national security concerns.The US Embassy in India issued a fresh advisory on June 26, 2025, informing that all visa applicants must provide usernames or handles for every social media platform used in the past five years when filling out the DS-160 form. Failure to do so, the embassy warned, could result in visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.advertisementApplicants are required to declare that the information in their application is true and complete before submission.
On June 23, the embassy further requested that F, M, or J category visa seekers, primarily students and exchange visitors, switch their social media accounts to the public to help authorities verify their identity and admissibility under US law.Describing every visa adjudication as a 'national security decision', the US has been using all available data for screening purposes.Two digital posters shared by the embassy reiterated the message, stating that 'The United States requires visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa forms' and that 'all available information is used in screening and vetting.'INDIA CALLS FOR FAIR TREATMENTReacting to the new developments, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing in New Delhi that visa and immigration matters fall under the sovereign rights of each nation.advertisementHowever, he added that India has taken note of the updated US guidelines and believes that 'all visa applications of Indian nationals should be treated on the basis of merit.'He assured that India remains in close engagement with the US on all matters related to mobility and consular services to safeguard the legitimate interests of Indian nationals.WIDER CONTEXT OF VISA ENFORCEMENTThe stricter visa scrutiny comes against the backdrop of a broader immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, as part of enforcement measures under the Trump administration. On June 24, the embassy stated that individuals violating immigration laws could face detention, deportation, and long-term visa bans.In advisories earlier this month, the US Embassy stressed that a visa is 'a privilege, not a right', warning that even legal visa holders can have their visas revoked for breaking US laws or using illegal drugs.On June 16, the embassy added that new visa restrictions had been introduced for foreign government officials and violators, asserting that the US 'will not tolerate' illegal or mass immigration, nor the misuse of its visa system.(With PTI inputs)- Ends
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The Hindu
8 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear in fashion show
After a controversy triggered by the use of Kolhapuri chappals in a collection, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has acknowledged the connection, saying the design is 'inspired' by the Indian handcrafted footwear. The Italian house, however, said that sandals featured in the men's 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi said the chamber wrote to the fashion house after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition,' Mr. Gandhi told PTI on Saturday (June 28, 2025). In the letter to Prada, MACCIA also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights. Prada is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said in his reply. PTI has a copy of the correspondence. Prada welcomes the opportunity of further discussions, and the relevant teams will engage in the matter, Mr. Bertelli said. MACCIA also reminded Prada about the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019. Mr. Bertelli's letter was in response to the one by Mr. Gandhi after outrage over Prada's footwear featured as part of its Spring-Summer 2026 collection this week. In its show notes, Prada had described the footwear as 'leather sandals', with no reference to an Indian connection, evoking outrage from many in India's fashion community as well as traditional makers of Kolhapuri chappals in western Maharashtra. 'Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts,' Mr. Gandhi's letter said. 'While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialised without due acknowledgement, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations. 'We kindly urge Prada to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit the artisan communities involved and consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights,' Mr. Gandhi wrote. 'Such a gesture would not only uphold ethical standards in global fashion, but also foster a meaningful exchange between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design. We trust that a brand of Prada's stature and influence will take this concern in the right spirit and initiate a thoughtful response,'Mr. Gandhi's letter to Prada said. In his response, Bertelli wrote, 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design. development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialized. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' he said. 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage. We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow up with the relevant Prada teams,' Bertelli's letter to Gandi said. Artisans from Maharashtra have cried foul after footwear similar to the famous Kolhapuri chappals featured in Prada's show. They alleged violation of geographical identification (GI) rights. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik on Thursday led a delegation of artisans who make this traditional footwear to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They presented a letter urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage.
Mint
10 minutes ago
- Mint
MNRE revises norms for biomass programme
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the biomass programme to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business, and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across India. The norms are revised under Phase-I of National Bioenergy Programme, applicable for the period FY 2021–22 to 2025–26. These amendments aim to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business, and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across the country, a ministry statement said. Under the new framework, the ministry has simplified several processes, such as cutting down on paperwork and easing approval requirements, which will enable the industry, especially MSMEs to enhance their production. These changes align with improvement of stubble management and India's broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. One of the major highlights of the revision is technological integration by enabling the use of IoT-based monitoring solutions or quarterly data submissions instead of expensive and high-tech systems like SCADA. This promotes digital monitoring and accountability, especially for smaller business operators. The guidelines also encourage significant simplification of documentation. Developers of briquette and pellet manufacturing plants will no longer be required to submit a number of documents related to clearance matters. This change will save time, and promote ease of doing business. In a move to enhance operational flexibility, the earlier requirement for a two-year briquette or pellet sale contract has been replaced with a general sale agreement. This change will allow project developers to respond more dynamically to market conditions without being constrained by long-term contracts, it stated. The amended guidelines allow flexible selling of biomass products, which means businesses no longer need long-term contracts to get started. Furthermore, the subsidy disbursement mechanism under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) component has been made performance-based and transparent. Projects that run efficiently, above 80 per cent will receive full financial assistance, while below 80 per cent will receive on pro-rata basis. The performance inspection period has been simplified. Earlier, it had to be done within a period of 18 months from the date of commissioning, but now, it can be carried out within 18 months either from the commissioning date or from the date of in-principle approval, whichever is later. Additionally, to cater on-ground operational challenges of developers, Secretary, MNRE may extend the time period. During inspection, performance report was made on the basis of operation plant at an average of 80 per cent of rated capacity measured over a period of three consecutive days, taking average to 16 hours per day. However, now it has been reduced to just 10 hours as the inspection process primarily aims to verify the claimed and operational capacities and inspection for 10 hours continuous operation would suffice this purpose. Recognizing the urgent need to address air pollution, especially from stubble burning in northern India, the new guidelines include a provision allowing biomass pellet producers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to choose the most beneficial support scheme, either from MNRE or CPCB. These revisions will not only support the smooth implementation of the biomass programme and timely delivery of approved financial support to commissioned plants, but also encourage the sector to establish more biomass-based plants, it stated. This would ultimately help in addressing the menace of crop residue burning and ensure sustainable management of agricultural waste. In another statement MNRE has issued revised guidelines for the waste-to-energy programme under the National Bioenergy Programme. These revisions aim to foster a more efficient, transparent, and performance-oriented ecosystem for biowaste-to-energy deployment in India. By simplifying procedures, expediting financial assistance, and aligning support with plant performance, the updated guidelines are designed to significantly enhance the ease of doing business for private as well as public sectors. Under the new framework, the ministry has simplified several processes, such as cutting down on paperwork and easing approval requirements, which will enable the industry especially MSMEs to enhance their production of CBG, biogas & power. A key highlight of the revised guidelines is the improved system for releasing Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Considering the challenges faced by the developers to achieve 80 per cent generation, flexible provisions have been made in the scheme for release of CFA based on plant performance. Previously, companies had to wait until the entire waste-to-energy project attains 80 per cent generation to receive support. Moreover, as per the revised guidelines, there is a provision to release the CFA in two stages. Based on performance of the projects, 50 per cent of total CFA will be released after obtaining the Consent to Operate certificate from State Pollution Control Board, against the bank guarantee, while the balance CFA would be released after achieving the 80 per cent of the rated capacity or the maximum CFA eligible capacity, whichever is lesser. Even if a plant does not achieve 80 per cent generation for above both conditions during performance inspection, provision is made for pro-rata based disbursement based on the percentage output. However, no CFA will be given if the PLF (plant load factor or capacity utilisation) is less than 50 per cent . The inspection process has also been refined to ensure greater credibility, transparency and accountability. The revised norms mandate joint inspections led by National Institute of Bio-Energy along with any one agency among respective State Nodal Agencies, Biogas Technology Development Centers. For developers not opting for advance CFA, only a single performance inspection is required, reducing procedural delays.
United News of India
10 minutes ago
- United News of India
Khamenei 'sidelined completely' in Tehran's ceasefire talks with US
Tehran, June 27 (UNI) Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly completely sidelined during Tehran's talks for ending its war with Israel, with its ceasefire negotiations with the US taking place without any involvement from Khamenei. According to Iran International, the entire decision-making process was handled by Iran's Supreme National Security Council and President Masoud Pezeshkian, who moved swiftly to respond to a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump. While establishing contact with Khamenei was considered, no such opportunity presented itself, and due to the Supreme National Council wanting to quickly negotiate a truce, Khamenei was completely left in the dark about Tehran's ceasefire talks with Tel Aviv and Washington. In recent days, Khamenei's communication capabilities have been also been severely limited due to security concerns, particularly owing to fears of an attack on his location. The Iranian supreme leader is said to be hiding in a secret bunker somewhere in Lavizan, northeast of Tehran with all his close family members. Due to communications disruptions and security concerns, the 86-year-old reportedly transferred all key decision-making powers to the to the supreme council of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shortly after the start of the attacks by Israel. While Iran has not revealed his location, both Israel and the US have said that they could kill Khamenei if they wanted with Trump even saying that Washington knows where he is. Calling him an 'easy target', Trump had sternly warned that 'American patience is wearing thin', and Iran must quickly reach a deal.
