Latest news with #DPI
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Will tighter rules for global mobility make international travel harder?
We live in an increasingly multi-polar, digital-first world and the future of cross-border travel is undergoing a fundamental shift. According to the latest UN World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals surpassed 300 million in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 5% increase over that quarter of 2024 and exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 3%. This growth signals renewed confidence in international travel. However, at the same time, governments are responding to rising geopolitical tensions and national security concerns by tightening border controls and visa procedures. This paradox has placed global mobility at a critical crossroads, where security, transparency and trust must co-exist for smooth travel. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Trump's $5 million price tag on a US visa is no big shock The rise of user-focused and tech-based solutions: India serves as a compelling example of how digital mobility solutions can be scaled effectively. Digital public infrastructure (DPI)—including Aadhaar for identity, DigiLocker for documents, DigiYatra for airport passage and the Passport Seva Programme 2.0 for e-passports—demonstrates how user-focused technology can improve security and convenience for travellers. This model offers a potential blueprint for modern cross-border travel. Built on open standards rather than proprietary technologies, India's DPI offers interoperability and adaptability, allowing for easier adoption by other nations. Similar advancements are being seen globally. Dubai's Smart Gates use biometric and facial recognition to fast-track immigration for registered travellers. Singapore's Smart Entry/Exit system integrates e-passport verification with iris and facial recognition, while the UK's eGates let eligible travellers cross borders seamlessly using biometric authentication. These examples reflect a broader global shift. Also Read: Why is it so hard for Indians to get a visa What sets India apart is the scale, openness and inclusivity of its approach. Its combination of security with efficiency not only transforms the travel experience for its own citizens, but also offers the world a replicable model that aligns innovation with integrity in easing international travel. Playing a significant role in this endeavour are private sector collaborations with governments. Just look at the increasing number of students pursuing education abroad, a trend that is strengthened by strategic partnerships. VFS Education Services, for example, facilitates access to international education pathways that combine academic excellence with real-world industry experience. Recently, it partnered with the Austrian Technical Universities of Leoben, Wien and Graz to provide Indian students the opportunity to pursue master's degrees in engineering and technology in top-tier foreign institutions. This collaboration supports a mobility agreement between India and Austria, reinforcing their shared commitment to fostering talent exchange and educational cooperation. Also Read: America's H-1B visa is vital to US interests—and suits India too All countries should harness technology for robust border controls: Advanced technologies such as AI-powered risk assessments and interoperable identity systems can enhance border control efficiency while maintaining security standards. AI-powered risk engines can quickly analyse large data sets to identify potential security threats, while interoperable identity systems like biometric and facial recognition tools offer precise identification, reducing delays for travellers. A report on biometric systems at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport shows that facial recognition technology has cut the average re-entry processing time for US citizens by approximately 50% compared to traditional methods. When integrated into existing systems, these technologies not only streamline the traveller experience but also bolster the integrity of border controls. The full benefits of these technologies can be achieved by incorporating them into internationally compatible systems where identities and risk assessments verified in one country are accepted by others. Consequently, technology can go from being a supportive tool to a fundamental component of cross-border governance. Also Read: Migration is a win-win game that can be turned into a double blessing Public-private collaboration is vital for the future of global mobility: Building such ecosystems should not be the government's responsibility alone. Growth in travel volumes and the need for secure borders necessitate collaboration with reliable private entities. Let's take into consideration the surge in international travel in the context of a rise in visa volumes. Despite prevailing geopolitical and policy uncertainties, the global visa market is expected to grow in tandem with international travel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts a 5.8% increase in global air travel demand in 2025, with a 9% surge in Asia-Pacific routes. Reflecting this global momentum, VFS Global reported an 11% year-on-year rise in visa applications from India in 2024. These increasing volumes require intelligent, scalable and data-led solutions that ensure security protocols evolve to keep pace with travel numbers, while fostering confidence. This can be enabled by private sector players that design, deploy and manage technologically advanced infrastructure to support the travel protocols of governments around the world. By working collaboratively with trusted global partners, governments can focus on security and data sovereignty while private partners help achieve scalability, speed, efficiency and better customer experiences. The author is founder and CEO, VFS Global Group.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's voice at the UN: Karanvir Singh pioneers global framework for AI in international trade
As the world gathers to define the future of artificial intelligence at the UN AI for Good Global Summit, Karanvir Singh, chairman of Visionum Group, has emerged as a thought leader and policy influencer, articulating India's position on AI's role in inclusive international trade and ethical development. Representing not just entrepreneurial ambition, but strategic policy vision, he offered concrete recommendations for shaping AI-powered global trade systems that are equitable, accessible, and scalable across developing nations. 'India's strength lies in building digital systems for the people. We now need global trade to reflect that same inclusivity,' Singh said during his policy interaction with global delegates and UN leads. Towards a global framework for AI in trade In a policy concept document circulated at the summit, Singh outlined the pillars of a Global AI Trade Enablement Framework, calling for: Public digital infrastructure to support small exporters Ethical AI systems with built-in safeguards against market bias Multilingual, low-cost onboarding tools for MSMEs worldwide Data localisation protections for emerging economies Joint policy labs and skilling partnerships across continents The framework, while still in development, has gained early traction among teams associated with UNCTAD, WTO, and regional blocs from Africa and South Asia, particularly for its potential to help unlock 'AI for Trade Inclusion.' The rise of India's digital diplomacy model With India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) stack—such as UPI, Aadhaar, and ONDC—earning global acclaim, Singh emphasised how this model can shape the governance of AI in international commerce. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ce Mercredi, l'alarme Verisure à 199€ HT au lieu de 999€ HT Verisure J'en profite Undo 'We've seen how India built tech that empowers the last-mile citizen. It's time we take that model global—especially in trade,' Singh told observers from G7 and BRICS nations. His message has helped reframe India's image—not just as a technology provider, but as a rule-setter in ethical AI and inclusive digital governance. Leadership with legacy An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak (IIM Rohtak), Karanvir Singh brings together academic grounding, policy insight, and grassroots-driven execution in his mission to shape the future of digital trade governance. About Karanvir Singh Karanvir Singh is a global trade policy strategist, Chairman of Visionum Group, and founder of the Connecting Nations initiative. He works at the intersection of digital innovation, economic diplomacy, and MSME globalisation, advising governments, think tanks, and international forums on building inclusive, tech-powered trade ecosystems.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Up to $1.6 million lost: North Dakota's new funding formula reshapes US Title I distribution
US Title I funds redistributed in North Dakota under new census-based formula. (AI Image) North Dakota has implemented a new method for distributing federal Title I education funds, affecting public K–12 schools across the state. The changes align the state's funding approach with that used in 43 other US states, shifting the basis of allocation from local school meal programme data to federal census poverty data. This adjustment is causing significant financial gains for some districts and steep losses for others, with disparities reaching into the millions. The Title I programme, a key element of the US federal education support system, is intended to assist schools serving high numbers of low-income students. Distribution shift based on census poverty data The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has replaced its longstanding formula for allocating Title I funds. Previously, districts received money based on internal data, primarily the number of students receiving free or reduced-price meals. Now, funding is determined by the number of low-income students residing within district boundaries according to census poverty data. Under the new model, funds no longer follow students who open-enrol in schools outside their home districts. The DPI stated the change would create greater consistency and reduce administrative workload. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo This shift has had a varied impact across the state's districts, particularly affecting rural and tribal schools. Belcourt School District sees sharp reduction The Belcourt School District, which serves a significant Indigenous student population, is projected to lose approximately $1.6 million in Title I funds. This reflects a 45% decrease from the $3.5 million it received for the 2024–25 academic year. According to the Inforum, local officials raised concerns that the census data may not accurately reflect true poverty levels, citing high unemployment and potential undercounting during the census process. Minnewaukan's funding to fall by over 85% Minnewaukan Public Schools is also experiencing a drastic funding reduction. The district's allocation is expected to fall from $565,000 to $80,000, a decrease of more than 85%. According to the Inforum, the loss affects funding for early childhood care, additional paraprofessionals, and support services such as social work. Impact of new Title I funding formula on selected districts School District Previous Title I Funding New Title I Funding Percentage Change Belcourt $3,500,000 $1,900,000 -45% Minnewaukan $565,000 $80,000 -85% Fort Totten $600,000 (approx.) $1,200,000 100% Fort Totten among the districts to gain In contrast, the Fort Totten School District is set to see its Title I funding more than double to nearly $1.2 million. Although Title I funds cannot be directly transferred between districts, they can be used for collaborative services. The DPI noted that shared resources, such as staff training, can be accessed by educators across district lines. Consultations and public feedback The DPI initially attempted to introduce the funding formula in 2023 but delayed implementation after mixed feedback during the public consultation period. While some districts supported the model due to expected increases, others opposed it over concerns of reduced resources. As reported by the Inforum, the DPI stated it did not receive sufficient public demand for an alternative model to delay or change the approach further. Tribal authorities were consulted during the transition process, and the DPI stated that the changes impacted tribal schools in proportions similar to other districts, as noted by the Inforum. Ongoing concerns over school choice and equity The change arrives amid broader national debates on school choice in the US. Although North Dakota's legislature did not pass related laws during its recent session, the DPI clarified the Title I funding change was not connected to those discussions. Nonetheless, district officials from affected areas, especially those with high numbers of open-enrolled students, have raised concerns about potential long-term impacts on equity, according to the Inforum. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Raj Bhavan, Kerala government set for another face-off over foot worship at schools
The Raj Bhavan and the Kerala government appeared to be set for yet another face-off over the 'foot worship' ceremony that was held in some schools in the State as part of Guru Purnima on Thursday. While Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar strongly defended the practice as part of Indian culture, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who directed the Director of Public Instruction (DPI) to seek explanations from the schools, said that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is piggybacking on the Governor to push its regressive practices meant to promote a slave mentality among students. Visuals of the ceremony, held in schools managed by the Bharatiya Vidya Niketan in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Alappuzha, showed students kneeling and washing the feet of teachers and offering flowers in a symbolic ritual of reverence. In a foot-washing ceremony held at Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Mavelikara, the students were made to wash the feet of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader too. The visuals had drawn widespread condemnation in socio-political circles. Speaking at a programme organised by Balagokulam, an RSS-affiliated organisation, in the capital on Sunday, the Governor criticised those who were against 'Gurupuja'. 'Gurupuja is an integral part of Indian culture. Some people object to it. I don't understand which culture these people are coming from. If we cast aside these practices, it will seriously affect the very existence of society,' said Mr. Arlekar. DPI's report Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr. Sivankutty said that such practices being pushed by the RSS are alien to Kerala's culture. 'It is unfortunate that someone holding the position of Governor would make such statements. I would like to know which particular text related to Indian culture celebrates the practice of students washing the feet of their teachers. We are issuing directions to all the school authorities that no student studying in any school in Kerala should be made to wash the feet of teachers or anyone else,' he said. Mr. Sivankutty said that though the government had limitations in taking action against unaided school managements, they still require an NOC from the government to function. The government will decide on the action to be taken based on the Directorate of Public Instruction's (DPI) report, which is expected in a week. 'Feudal culture' Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary M.V. Govindan said that the RSS is attempting to revive a ritual rooted in the feudal culture to push its agenda of implementing Chaturvarnya (case system). 'We are not against respecting teachers, but that should not be an excuse to revive such feudalistic practices. Students were even made to wash the feet of RSS leaders. It is part of an RSS agenda to erode Kerala's secular and democratic fabric. The secular society of Kerala has to unitedly oppose this,' he said. All India Congress Committee (Organisation) general secretary K.C. Venugopal said that the Governor is attempting to haul Kerala society back to the dark ages by defending such practices. 'Such a Governor is a shame for progressive Kerala,' he said.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ferozepur: Government schoolteacher held for molesting girls
A government school teacher in Ferozepur's Guru Har Sahai sub-division was arrested on Friday on charges of sexually harassing at least 13 girl students. According to the police, parents of at least 13 girl students from various classes alleged that the accused teacher had been sexually harassing their daughters over the past 3–4 months. Ferozepur senior superintendent of police (SSP) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said a case has been registered against teacher Raj Kumar Chugh under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 74, 79 (outraging woman's modesty) and 75 (sexual harassment), along with Section 8 of the POCSO Act at the Guru Har Sahai police station. 'A probe was conducted by a deputy superintendent of police. The accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway,' SSP Sidhu said. According to the police, parents of at least 13 girl students from various classes alleged that the accused teacher had been sexually harassing their daughters over the past 3–4 months. The matter came to light after one of the students dropped a complaint letter into the school's suggestion box. Acting on the letter, principal Karan Singh Dhaliwal promptly formed an internal committee of female staff members to look into the matter and submitted a preliminary report to the district education officer (DEO) Manila Arora. The DEO escalated the matter to the directorate of public instruction (DPI) in Chandigarh, which took immediate cognisance. On Friday, Malkit Singh Thind, chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission, visited the school and held a closed-door meeting with parents. During the interaction, parents recounted how the harassment had continued for months while students remained silent out of fear. Some parents also alleged that a few staff members, including females were complicit and had allegedly pressured the victims to remain quiet. SSP Sidhu assured that all aspects of the case are being investigated thoroughly.
