Latest news with #non-Indians
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Amid Row In Bihar, NDTV Explains 'Special Intensive Revision' Of Voter Lists
The Election Commission on Monday activated resources for a potential national 'special intensive revision' of voter lists. Some states - including national capital Delhi and Uttarakhand - have already released current lists, a move seen as a prelude to asking voters to re-verify their names on the rolls. Sources said the Election Commission will take a final call on a pan-India voter list revision - for the purpose of weeding out non-Indians by identifying each individual's place of birth - after July 28, when the Supreme Court is expected to finish hearing challenges to just such an exercise in Bihar. Last week the Supreme Court affirmed the Election Commission's authority - under the Constitution - to review these lists "so non-citizens do not remain on the rolls". What Is Revision Of Voter List? Section 21 of the Representation of People Act of 1950 says the Election Commission is tasked with preparing and revising electoral rolls for all Assembly and parliamentary constituencies in the country. The term 'electoral roll' or 'voter list' refers to a register of all eligible and registered voters in each constituency. The list is critical to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.\ READ | 'Voter List Revision Before Polls A Conspiracy': Tejashwi Yadav To NDTV Under Section 16 of Representation of People Act, or RP Act, non-citizens are excluded from this list, while Section 19 allows for the inclusion of all Indian citizens over the age of 18. Voter lists are typically revised before an election or after an administrative exercise like redrawing of constituencies, and there are two kinds of these revisions. 'Intensive', 'Summary', 'Special Intensive' The first is an 'intensive' revision. This is when the EC feels current lists are outdated or inaccurate, and is basically an exercise in completely re-creating a voter list, meaning personnel go house-to-house to collect fresh data. The second is a 'summary' revision. This is meant to be an annual exercise to refresh voter lists and only involves the Election Commission publishing the list and inviting people to correct, modify, or delete details. The 'special intensive' revision - a combination of the two - in Bihar is only carried out when the poll panel feels there are large-scale errors, and is allowed under Section 21(3) of the RP Act. Why Revision Of Voter Lists Is Needed A revision - 'intensive', 'summary', or 'special intensive' - helps remove ineligible voters and also add those who may have been missed in earlier lists, as well as include newly eligible voters. Importantly, it ensures migrant voters and shifting populations are accurately counted. On Monday the Election Commission said it had dropped 35 lakh names. The poll panel said 1.59 per cent of registered individuals, equivalent to 12.5 lakh voters, were found to have died. Another 2.2 per cent, or 17.5 lakh electors, had relocated and are no longer eligible to vote in the state. And 0.73 per cent, around 5.5 lakh, had double-registered. EC sources told NDTV this data underlined the importance of revising voter lists. Also last week, EC sources said door-to-door visits had revealed 'many' people from neighbouring countries, like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, on the voter lists. Sources said these people managed to obtain Indian government documents like domicile certificates and ration cards in their name, and had been wrongly included in the voter list. Challenges In Voter List Revision The principal challenge is to ensure eligible voters are not disenfranchised. The reference is specifically to voters from poorer sections of society and from marginalised communities, who may not (now) have access to the documents required for re-verification. Inter and intra-state migrant populations are another at-risk community. A large chunk of Bihar's adult population, for example, moves to other states in search of employment. In most cases they retain voting rights at their place of birth but, because of a lack of education, awareness, and access to documents, cannot always prove this to be the case. Apart from these issues, even a statewide voter list revision requires significant funds and use of manpower, which may place additional strain on the poll body's resources. This is particularly a concern if the EC is scheduled to hold an election just months later, as it is in the case of Bihar. Bihar Voter List Row The Bihar exercise has run into trouble for two reasons - one, because it comes just months before an election in that state, and two, because the EC had said common government IDs, such as the Aadhaar and its own voter identity card, could not be used for re-verification. The opposition - the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal - has argued a revision at this late stage is a 'conspiracy' to slash its support base by excluding lakhs of people, including those who have already voted in 10 major elections since the last revision. The opposition also questioned the legality of the exercise and flagged the poll body's decision to not accept commonly-used government IDs, such as the poll body's own identity card, for re-verification. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal United has countered by accusing the opposition of trying to shield 'fake' voters, a charge buttressed by reports that foreign nationals had registered as voters. On Monday the Supreme Court - approached to stay the Bihar special intensive revision - refused to do so, although it did tell the Election Commission it had "serious doubts" about the exercise being completed in time for the Bihar election. The court also suggested the EC include common government IDs like the Aadhaar in the re-verification process to ensure all eligible voters can be identified. NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Watch: Foreign Vlogger Makes Gulab Jamun With Eggs, Gets Schooled By Indians
Gulab jamun is one of the most beloved desserts in India. These soft, sweet spheres dunked in a special sugar syrup are associated with supreme comfort, satisfaction and indulgence. Gulab jamun is known to be an everyday treat since its enjoyment is not restricted to specific seasons or festive periods. Recently, a video showing a foreign vlogger making gulab jamun from scratch at home went viral on social media. At first, the idea might sound appealing - what could be wrong about non-Indians getting the chance to relish this popular desi sweet? However, in this case, a lot went wrong, and it all began with the recipe followed by the content creator. Also Read: Travel Vlogger Tries Gulab Jamun For The First Time, Watch His Priceless Reaction The now-viral video was shared by Sam Jose (@_samjose_). In the video, he explains that he is making Indian gulab jamun as he starts his prep. We see him mixing various ingredients in a large bowl: milk powder, flour, eggs, oil, cardamom, etc. He whisks them together and then uses his hand to combine them to form a dough. He adds some milk to knead the dough. Once it is ready, he breaks off small pieces of the dough and rolls them into balls. He says, "These are basically just milk powder doughnut holes, which I'm a little sceptical about. But I'm also kinda down for it." He deep-fries the dough balls until they are golden-brown. Noting their appearance, he states, "At this point, all my worries have gone out the window, because just these alone look absolutely amazing." After this, he starts work on the second part of the sweet dish: the syrup for the gulab jamun. He pounds a few saffron strands in a mortar and pestle. He pours what looks to be a small quantity of water on them and sets them aside. Next, he dissolves sugar in water in a pan over heat to prepare the syrup. He adds the saffron from earlier as well as a few rose petals to the liquid. Finally, he soaks the fried dough balls in this syrup. He garnishes the gulab jamun with what seems to be chopped pistachios. Based on the presentation alone, he rates them a 10/10. However, their taste gets a 6/10 from him. "The milk powder is throwing it off for me," he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam Jose (@_samjose_) Also Read: 5 Signs Of A True Gulab Jamun Lover In the comments below this viral video, many foodies pointed out that ingredients like egg and milk powder are traditionally not used while making gulab jamun. Some highlighted other problems with the recipe. Read selected reactions below: "Pretty sure there are no eggs in gulab jamun." "You gotta make it with khoya." "Who told you to add milk powder, buddy?" "Buy a good gulab jamun premix instead of this." "Milk powder and eggs are not a part of gulab jamun... Gulab jamun is made from hariyali mawa ...idk if that's available outside of India.. but yea it's made from hariyali mawa and it takes a lot of time and effort." "You didn't soak them properly, they were supposed to be soaked like fully dunked so that the sugar can absorb the ball haha, but you did phenomenal!" "It's 6/10 because you didn't cook it authentically. Buy them from an Indian store and it's 10000/10." "There has to be absolutely no egg in gulab jamun, as an Indian, this was so difficult to watch, but anyways, it looks good. Can't say the same about the taste, though." Before this, the same vlogger caught the attention of many Indians when he tried to make puri bhaji. His viral video angered foodies. Click here to find out why.
News18
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aryan Khan's ‘Casual Tareeka' Of Entering His Car Is Something You Can Try
Last Updated: Dressed in black track pants, a matching T-shirt and sneakers, Aryan Khan kept a low profile but grabbed the attention of the paps. Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is all set to make his directorial debut soon with the upcoming web series, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Backed by SRK's production banner Red Chillies Entertainment, the show will stream on Netflix. As fans await a new update of the show, the Starkid was papped in Bandra, Mumbai, outside a dubbing studio. Several pictures and videos of Aryan have now surfaced on the internet. In one such video, he is seen stepping out of a building, along with his guard, and heading towards his car. One of the key highlights of his appearance was the way he entered his vehicle. As the clip progresses, we see Aryan crawling on the seat and getting into his ride. Dressed in black track pants, a matching T-shirt and sneakers, the 26-year-old kept a low profile but grabbed the attention of the paps. Recently, the Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos shared his review of the first two episodes of The Ba***ds of Bollywood and called it 'very funny.' During an interview on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath's WTF podcast, he said, 'It (The Ba***ds of Bollywood) is quite entertaining. I've seen the first two episodes so far. It's really funny. I believe that both Indians and non-Indians are unaware of how Bollywood operates. So this is a super fun world. He (Aryan Khan) is a really good director." Earlier this year, SRK launched his son's series in his signature style: a humorous, theatrical and effortlessly entertaining trailer highlighting his strong chemistry with Aryan Khan. Sharing the announcement video on X, he wrote in the caption, 'Picture toh saalon se baaki hai, par show toh ab shuru hoga. Witness Aryan Khan's take on Bollywood… The BA***DS OF BOLLYWOOD, coming soon." Picture toh saalon se baki hai par show toh ab shuru hoga. Witness Aryan Khan's take on Bollywood… The Ba***ds of Bollywood, coming soon. #AryanKhan @bilals158 #ManavChauhan @RedChilliesEnt @NetflixIndia #TheBadsOfBollywood #TheBadsOfBollywoodOnNetflix #NextOnNetflixIndia — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) February 3, 2025 The show reportedly features Lakshya and Sahher Bambba as leads, with Bobby Deol and Mona Singh in key roles. It also boasts star-studded cameos from prominent Bollywood personalities like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar. The Ba***ds of Bollywood explores the chaotic and unpredictable world of the Indian film industry (Bollywood) through the lens of an outsider and his group of friends. However, an official streaming date of the show is yet to be announced. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Economic Times
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Economic Times
Want to leave New York for Bengaluru: 'Am I a loser?' asks Reddit user after living 4.5 years with cultural shock abroad
A Reddit user who has spent the last 4.5 years living in Sydney and New York expressed a deep sense of alienation and disconnection from Western culture, particularly in terms of dating, friendships, and everyday interactions. In a candid post, he questioned whether returning to India—specifically Bengaluru—would make him a "loser." The post triggered a wave of responses, with some encouraging him to follow his instincts while others warned that Indian cities have also adopted similar superficial trends. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Feeling Out of Place in Western Culture 'You Are Not a Loser'—Reddit Weighs In Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Critics Say Grass Isn't Greener Anywhere In an increasingly globalised world, many Indians who move abroad in search of better opportunities often find themselves facing a deeper question over time — where do they truly belong? The promise of life in the West can come with unexpected emotional and cultural costs, leading some to reconsider the value of home. A recent Reddit post by an Indian highlights this internal conflict, as the user, after spending years in Sydney and New York, wonders whether returning to Bengaluru would be a step backward — or a step toward feeling whole user, who lived in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru before moving abroad, shared a deeply personal account of feeling out of place in the West, despite the career and lifestyle benefits it offered. The post, titled 'Am I a loser if I wanna return to India?', opened the door for a wide-ranging discussion about identity, culture shock, loneliness, and whether returning home should be seen as original poster, who spent 1.5 years in Sydney and another three in New York City, explained that despite professional growth, there remained a persistent sense of disconnection. Conversations with non-Indians often left him feeling isolated. The casualness of Western friendships, the individualism, and a focus on appearance felt superficial and unfamiliar. Reflecting on his upbringing in India, the user shared how his school and college years were driven by academic pressure, not socializing, partying, or dating — making the Western lifestyle feel alienating rather than in particular, was a cultural clash. The poster pointed out that the norm of having multiple sexual partners by one's mid-20s, commonly accepted in the U.S., felt jarring. Compared to India, where dating still remains limited to certain urban circles, he found the attitudes abroad were quick to respond with mixed, often passionate, opinions. Many users reassured him that choosing to return doesn't make him a failure. One user encouraged him to follow his instincts and prioritize his happiness. Others reminded him, however, that Indian society is rapidly changing too — especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Several noted that hookup culture, dating apps, and social superficiality are no longer unique to the commenters urged caution. A few pointed out that he might feel alienated in India as well, given the ongoing cultural shift. Others suggested a trial return before making a full move, especially since work-from-home wasn't an option for him. A proposed transfer to a Bengaluru office within six months seemed like a practical path everyone was sympathetic. Some accused the poster of chasing a fantasy, suggesting he was disillusioned with both worlds. One commenter remarked that people in India are also caught in a rat race and obsessed with Western ideals. Another criticized the notion of returning after 'abandoning' India in pursuit of a better life, while some NRIs confessed they too were tired of the West and longed for the cultural familiarity of home.A few Reddit users took a more cynical tone. They claimed India, too, has adopted superficial values and casual relationships, warning that returning wouldn't resolve the poster's deeper discontent. Others advised him not to return unless his quality of life, salary, and career prospects could remain personal experiences, many saw the post as emblematic of a broader identity crisis among NRIs. Some users noted that modern society—regardless of location—often emphasizes individualism over meaningful human connection. As one Redditor put it, the user's struggle wasn't about geography but about reconciling internal values with external realities.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Want to leave New York for Bengaluru: 'Am I a loser?' asks Reddit user after living 4.5 years with cultural shock abroad
In an increasingly globalised world, many Indians who move abroad in search of better opportunities often find themselves facing a deeper question over time — where do they truly belong? The promise of life in the West can come with unexpected emotional and cultural costs, leading some to reconsider the value of home. A recent Reddit post by an Indian highlights this internal conflict, as the user, after spending years in Sydney and New York, wonders whether returning to Bengaluru would be a step backward — or a step toward feeling whole again. The user, who lived in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru before moving abroad, shared a deeply personal account of feeling out of place in the West, despite the career and lifestyle benefits it offered. The post, titled 'Am I a loser if I wanna return to India?', opened the door for a wide-ranging discussion about identity, culture shock, loneliness, and whether returning home should be seen as failure. Feeling Out of Place in Western Culture The original poster, who spent 1.5 years in Sydney and another three in New York City, explained that despite professional growth, there remained a persistent sense of disconnection. Conversations with non-Indians often left him feeling isolated. The casualness of Western friendships, the individualism, and a focus on appearance felt superficial and unfamiliar. Reflecting on his upbringing in India, the user shared how his school and college years were driven by academic pressure, not socializing, partying, or dating — making the Western lifestyle feel alienating rather than aspirational. Dating, in particular, was a cultural clash. The poster pointed out that the norm of having multiple sexual partners by one's mid-20s, commonly accepted in the U.S., felt jarring. Compared to India, where dating still remains limited to certain urban circles, he found the attitudes abroad overwhelming. 'You Are Not a Loser'—Reddit Weighs In Redditors were quick to respond with mixed, often passionate, opinions. Many users reassured him that choosing to return doesn't make him a failure. One user encouraged him to follow his instincts and prioritize his happiness. Others reminded him, however, that Indian society is rapidly changing too — especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Several noted that hookup culture, dating apps, and social superficiality are no longer unique to the West. Some commenters urged caution. A few pointed out that he might feel alienated in India as well, given the ongoing cultural shift. Others suggested a trial return before making a full move, especially since work-from-home wasn't an option for him. A proposed transfer to a Bengaluru office within six months seemed like a practical path forward. Critics Say Grass Isn't Greener Anywhere Not everyone was sympathetic. Some accused the poster of chasing a fantasy, suggesting he was disillusioned with both worlds. One commenter remarked that people in India are also caught in a rat race and obsessed with Western ideals. Another criticized the notion of returning after 'abandoning' India in pursuit of a better life, while some NRIs confessed they too were tired of the West and longed for the cultural familiarity of home. A few Reddit users took a more cynical tone. They claimed India, too, has adopted superficial values and casual relationships, warning that returning wouldn't resolve the poster's deeper discontent. Others advised him not to return unless his quality of life, salary, and career prospects could remain stable. Beyond personal experiences, many saw the post as emblematic of a broader identity crisis among NRIs. Some users noted that modern society—regardless of location—often emphasizes individualism over meaningful human connection. As one Redditor put it, the user's struggle wasn't about geography but about reconciling internal values with external realities.
