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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
DU teachers ask UGC to extend deadline for submission of documents for OBC (NCL) applicants
A group of Delhi University teachers have written to University Grants Commission (UGC) chairperson Vineet Joshi seeking directions to the university administration to extend the deadline for submission of documents by applicants, particularly for applicants from the Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), for undergraduate programmes by 15-20 days. In their letter on Sunday, the teachers said that many OBC (NCL) applicants had approached them saying they are facing issues in renewing their certificates and are apprehensive about missing the application deadline. As in the previous years, the DU administration has in its recent admission bulletin directed OBC (NCL) candidates to submit their families' income certificates issued after March 31, before the end of the first phase of admissions, the deadline for which is yet to be declared. One of the signatories, Anand Prakash, executive member of Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) and former member of the Delhi government's Commission for Other Backward Classes, said, 'Many students have reached out to us saying that they need more time to submit their certificates.' A university official said that the applicants are given 'ample time' to submit their forms. 'We follow the guidelines laid down by the DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training). The updated certificates are required in order to determine whether the candidates are eligible,' the official said. The letter, which was submitted by Mr. Prakash, along with Ashok Kumar, former DUTA executive member, Ram Kishore Yadav, member, Academic Council, and Sarvendra Kumar, former member of the Delhi government's OBC Commission, stated: 'As per estimates, nearly 10% of the eligible OBC students miss out on admission opportunities at DU each year due to this procedural bottleneck [the requirement to submit income certificates issued after March 31 before the end of the first phase of admissions].' When reached for comment, the UGC Chairperson did not offer a comment.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Academicians seek extension of deadline for submitting OBC certificates to DU
Jun 23, 2025 05:26 AM IST Academicians and former members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Commission have appealed to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to direct Delhi university to extend the deadline for submitting OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates by 15-20 days, citing administrative delays that cost hundreds of students their admissions each year. Academicians seek extension of deadline for submitting OBC certificates to DU In a letter to the UGC Chairman, Anand Prakash, members of Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) executive and former member of the commission for OBC, Delhi, along with other signatories, highlighted how students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds often miss admission deadlines due to delays in obtaining updated caste certificates from local authorities. 'Each year, a large number of students, particularly those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, are denied admission solely due to the non-availability of the current year's OBC certificate at the time of document submission/verification,' the letter said. The signatories, including Ashok Kumar (former DUTA executive member) and Ram Kishore Yadav (member, academic council), wrote that nearly 10% of eligible OBC students lose admission opportunities annually due to this issue. 'Such a provision will ensure fair and equitable access to education for OBC students and minimise dropout or rejection rates due to procedural delays,' the letter added. When contacted, UGC officials did not respond to a request for comment.
The Print
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Print
India & Taliban-led Afghan govt hold talks in Kabul amid rising regional tensions post-Pahalgam
Tensions have spiraled between New Delhi and Islamabad after the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 tourists and one local were killed. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack and announced a raft of punitive diplomatic measures including putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and cancellation of visas. Pakistan has responded with tit for tat measures, announcing, among other things, that it may put the Simla Agreement on hold. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) Division, held talks Sunday in Kabul with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Apart from the evolving regional situation, their discussions covered a broad range of other bilateral issues, including political relations, trade and transit routes. New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic shift, India held diplomatic talks with the Taliban-led Afghan government amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after the 22 April terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kahsmir's Pahalgam. During the talks in Kabul, Muttaqi emphasised Afghanistan's desire to expand its diplomatic and economic ties with India. Highlighting what he described as an investment-friendly climate in Afghanistan, he urged Indian businesses to take advantage of emerging opportunities, according to a statement by Hafiz Zia Ahmad, the Deputy Spokesman for Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There was no explicit mention of the Pahalgam terror attack in a statement issued by Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs but it did mention that 'recent regional developments' were discussed. 'During the meeting, both sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral political relations, enhancing trade and transit cooperation, and exchanging views on recent regional developments,' the statement said. The Taliban government had Wednesday condemned the terror attack, saying such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability. In a statement, the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi had also expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Also read: India, Taliban meet sure to ruffle Pakistan's feathers & Ketan Parekh and the 'front-running bug' While the Taliban-led government remains internationally unrecognised, India has maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. Prakash voiced optimism about strengthening ties across multiple sectors and reaffirmed India's commitment to development cooperation. He also conveyed New Delhi's interest in reviving infrastructure projects that had stalled after the Taliban takeover. India's latest outreach marks a notable shift in New Delhi's approach to Afghanistan, more than three years after its development and diplomatic efforts suffered a major strategic setback with the fall of Kabul. Two decades of investment in Afghanistan's democracy—through military training programmes, scholarships, and landmark projects such as the Afghan Parliament building—were abruptly halted, which led to greater influence by regional rivals, particularly Pakistan and China. Yet signs of a policy recalibration have emerged. In January, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai—the highest-level engagement between the two sides since 2021. During that meeting, Taliban officials expressed a keen interest in deepening political and economic ties with India, describing it as a 'significant regional and economic power'. The discussions also touched on expanding trade through Iran's Chabahar port, a strategic infrastructure project India has invested in heavily, to bypass Pakistani ports in Karachi and Gwadar. By meeting with senior Taliban officials, Delhi has effectively accorded the group the legitimacy it has long sought from the international community. Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Balkhi, who was the Education Minister of the Afghanistan government that was ousted by the Taliban, said, India's unprecedented engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban regime undeniably lends a degree of diplomatic legitimacy to the Taliban. While this interaction may be framed as a pragmatic move in New Delhi's regional politics or security strategy, it risks normalising a radical regime whose governance and policies remain deeply contentious. This engagement suggests a potential shift in India's foreign policy approach, signaling a willingness to engage with the Taliban despite broader international hesitations—a shift with no good implications for Afghanistan, India, and the region.' (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also read: India builds diplomatic case on Pahalgam as Modi receives calls from at least 16 world leaders
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First Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- First Post
How shift towards Taliban gives India an edge over Pakistan
India is ramping up its diplomatic outreach to the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) Division, met Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Sunday (April 27), discussing political relations and regional developments. Here's why it matters read more Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) Division, met Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. X/@HafizZiaAhmad Amid the Pahalgam terror attack, India held diplomatic talks with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) Division, met Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Sunday (April 27). They discussed a range of bilateral issues, including political relations and regional developments. The meeting comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the April 22 terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. India holds talks with Taliban govt In a key diplomatic shift, MEA's Joint Secretary Anand Prakash held discussions with Muttaqi in the Afghan capital on Sunday. As per a statement by Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi underlined the significance of expanding diplomatic and economic relations with India. Hafiz Zia Ahmad, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban's Foreign Ministry, said on social media that the two sides discussed 'recent regional political developments', without mentioning if the Pahalgam terror attack came up. In the meeting, Muttaqi highlighted investment opportunities in Afghanistan, urging Indian companies to take advantage of the conducive opportunities in trade and infrastructure development. Anand Prakash, Special Representative of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and Director General of the Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan Department, met with Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. During the… — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025 As per the readout, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister also called on India to ease visa processes, especially for Afghan patients, students and businessmen. He asked India to restore normal visa services to further people-to-people ties. 'During the meeting, both sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral political relations, enhancing trade and transit cooperation, and exchanging views on recent regional developments,' said the statement by Deputy Spokesman for Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prakash expressed India's desire to expand relations with Afghanistan in various sectors. He also reassured that New Delhi will continue its assistance as well as invest in infrastructure projects in the landlocked country, including resuming previously stalled works. Both sides agreed to boost mutual cooperation, exchange of delegations and streamlining the visa process. Prakash also met former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, discussing the regional situation and enhancing ties between India and Afghanistan. India's limited connection to Taliban-led Afghanistan India, like other countries, does not officially recognise the Taliban-led Afghanistan government. After the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, New Delhi has maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul. However, India's embassy in Kabul is presently run by a small team of 'technical experts' who ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and stay in touch with the Taliban regime. India has allowed a Taliban representative, Ikramuddin Kamil, to work as 'acting consul' at Afghanistan's Mumbai consulate. New Delhi has continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan under the Taliban, sending shipments of wheat, medicines, COVID-19 vaccines, and winter clothing. Since August 2021, India has delivered 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 40,000 litres of pesticides, 27 tonnes of relief materials, and more than 300 tonnes of medical supplies to Afghanistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In January this year, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi in Dubai — the first such high-level talks since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. During the meeting, the Taliban regime asked India to ease the visa rules for Afghan businessmen, patients and students, while assuring New Delhi that Afghanistan did not 'pose a threat' to any nation. Why India's shift matters India's diplomatic outreach to the Taliban-led Afghan government reflects its aim to regain its lost ground in Kabul. 'At the heart of India's policy is the goal of regaining its lost influence and reestablishing its connections in Kabul,' Shanthie Mariet D'Souza, an Afghanistan expert, told DW in January. 'Additionally, India aims to restore its influence in a region where China has significantly stepped up its presence since August 2021,' she added. India's engagement with the Taliban, which it long viewed as Pakistan's proxy, shows it is adapting to evolving regional dynamics. New Delhi's decades of investment in Afghanistan came to a halt after the fall of the Ashraf Ghani-led Afghan government and the Taliban takeover in 2021. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's rival neighbours, China and Pakistan, took advantage of this, increasing their influence in the region. Pakistan's military has maintained a strategic hold over Afghanistan through the Taliban and is using it against India, as per Al Jazeera. However, three years after the Taliban's Kabul takeover, ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan have frayed. Islamabad accuses the Pakistan Taliban group of using Afghan soil to launch attacks on Pakistan, a charge rejected by Kabul. On the other hand, the Taliban has moved closer to India. For New Delhi, it is a tightrope walk, given the Afghan group's oppression of women and minorities. India has been demanding that the Taliban not allow the Afghan soil to be used for any anti-India activity in exchange for limited engagement and continued humanitarian support, Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian envoy to Pakistan, told DW. 'In contrast, Pakistan views Afghanistan as a geography to achieve strategic depth and influence, particularly after the US withdrew in 2021,' said Bisaria. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With India stepping up diplomatic engagement, it has granted the legitimacy to the Taliban, which it has been seeking from the global community, as per ThePrint report. The latest meeting came amid a surge in tensions between India and Pakistan post the Pahalgam terror attack. The Taliban foreign ministry earlier condemned the massacre, expressing 'condolences to the bereaved families'. 'Such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability,' its statement said. India's limited engagement with the Taliban without officially recognising its government keeps 'communication lines open and helps prevent Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for anti-India terror groups,' Ajay Darshan Behera, Professor, MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, wrote in an opinion piece for I_ndian Express._ For India, 'the goal is not to embrace the Taliban, but to ensure that Afghanistan does not turn into a geopolitical vacuum exploited by hostile forces,' he wrote. With inputs from agencies
India Today
28-04-2025
- Business
- India Today
Indian envoy meets Taliban leadership amid diplomatic friction with Pakistan
Indian special envoy Anand Prakash travelled to Kabul, Afghanistan to meet the Taliban Prakash, the Special Representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India and Director General of the Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan Department, held a meeting with Afghanistan Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan discussion focused on strengthening bilateral political relations, enhancing trade and transit cooperation, and exchanging views on recent regional developments. Both sides emphasised the importance of bilateral engagements, streamlining visa procedures, promoting the exchange of delegations, and strengthening cooperation in various This meeting comes amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan as the former has downgraded diplomatic ties with the latter following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The terror attack on April 22 killed 26 people, mostly Foreign Minister, during the meeting, stressed on facilitating the movement of people between the two countries and called for the normalisation of visa issuance processes for businessmen, patients, and envoy Anand Prakash also expressed hope about further deepening cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. According to a press release by the MEA, Anand Prakash reiterated India's intention to continue its assistance to Afghanistan and conveyed India's interest in investing in infrastructure projects, including the resumption of those initiatives that had been previously halted. With ANI inputsMust Watch
