Latest news with #STEP
The Hindu
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
STEP partners with Angkor Tiger FC for youth development programme
STEP, a division of The Hindu Group, will partner with the Youth Development and Academy teams of the Cambodian Premier League team Angkor Tiger Football Club based in the city of Siem Reap. Angkor Tiger currently competes in the top division, while the academy teams (U-16 and U-19) participate in the national Cambodian Youth League. As part of the partnership, STEP will provide training to the Academy's players, focusing on vital English language speaking and communication skills, which will be delivered via STEP's proprietary learning platform. The partnership will help young academy players develop their non-football skills with improved English language communication, and enhance their future employment prospects. Speaking on the partnership, Pundi Sriram, Business Head of STEP, said, 'We are very excited to be a part of this partnership and bring our skilling programs to youth in Cambodia and help them achieve their long-term career aspirations.' Rohit Ramesh, Director of The Hindu Group, added, 'STEP, with their dedicated proprietary platform, will be able to provide curated English skill training solutions to the Academy players, which is a crucial necessity for their futures.' Sudhir Menon, Director of SkaSports, an Indian firm that owns a minority stake in the club, explained that the club has a responsibility for the holistic development of the players. 'Globally, only 1% of the players who are part of Elite Youth Development programs get a professional contract. As a club, we have a responsibility to every boy who wears our club jersey to prepare him for challenges both on and off the field. STEP's partnership is an initiative in that direction, to further empower and enhance their skills to succeed as professionals.' Akihiro Kato, Owner and Chairperson of Angkor Tiger FC, emphasised that this partnership is a crucial step in empowering the youth. 'This is a significant step forward in our mission to empower Cambodian youth through football. By enhancing their English communication skills, we are giving our players a better chance to succeed not only in football but also in life. Takahisa Kiyone, Chief Operating Officer, Angkor Tiger FC, said, 'With STEP's expertise, our academy players will gain vital language skills that will support them in international opportunities and beyond the pitch. We are proud to provide a more holistic education environment for the next generation'.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Citing rise in rape cases, US issues revised travel advisory for India
Amritsar: The United States (US) has issued a revised travel advisory for India, citing a sharp rise in rape cases, along with concerns over violent crime and terrorism, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. In its updated guidance, the US warned American citizens to exercise increased caution when travelling to India, stating that rape remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. Incidents of sexual assault, including those against foreign visitors, have been reported in both urban areas and tourist destinations. "Violent crime, such as sexual assault, occurs at tourist sites and other public locations," the advisory states, adding that travellers should be especially cautious in crowded or isolated areas and avoid venturing out alone after dark. The advisory also discourages travel along the India-Pakistan border due to the risk of armed conflict, with only the Attari-Wagah crossing in Punjab open to non-citizens. "India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan," reads the advisory emphasises that US citizens not residing in India must obtain a Pakistani visa from their home country before any cross-border travel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The advisory further flags the persistent threat of terrorist attacks across the country, warning that such incidents may occur with little or no warning, especially in public spaces like markets, transportation hubs, govt buildings, and tourist spots. High-risk regions are clearly outlined, with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir listed under a "do not travel" directive—excluding the eastern Ladakh region and Leh. The advisory highlights the potential for terrorist violence and civil unrest, particularly in areas such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, all popular with domestic and foreign tourists. Notably, terrorists had shot dead 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. While the advisory does not call for a complete halt to travel, it asks Americans to stay informed, avoid high-risk regions, and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for timely updates and access to emergency services. The US govt also advises travellers to regularly monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities, and review the full travel advisory on the US State Department's official website. MSID: 122087318 413 |
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
State Department cautions American travelers after US strikes on Iran
The State Department has issued other worldwide cautions in recent years, including May 2024, when it warned of potential threats to LGBTQ+ travelers, and October 2023, amid the Israel-Hamas war. Here's what travelers should know this time. Is it safe to travel the world right now? Generally, yes. The worldwide caution is exactly that: general advice. However, there are a host of destinations the State Department urges Americans not to visit due to safety concerns, which can be found on the travel area of its website. Those include Iran and Israel, as well as places like Ukraine, Somalia and more. Earlier this month, the State Department authorized the departures of family members of U.S. government employees and select non-emergency U.S. government employees in Israel. The State Department also helped U.S. citizens leave Israel, but notes Iranian air space is closed and U.S. citizens hoping to leave Iran should go by land, when they feel it's safe to do so. Sunday's worldwide caution noted that travel may be disrupted across the Middle East due to the "conflict between Israel and Iran." 'Don't know how we should behave': Is the US South LGBTQ friendly? How do you stay safe while traveling? Safety starts at home. Before departing, travelers are urged to research their destinations and check the State Department's country-specific travel advisories and security alerts. Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so they can receive embassy messages and alerts and be more easily located in the event of an emergency. Preparing a list of emergency contacts and an independent exit strategy is also helpful, since the U.S. government may not always be able to assist in evacuations. While abroad, travelers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and monitor local news for updates if a crisis or disaster arises. Additional tips and a Traveler's Checklist are available on the State Department's website.
5 days ago
- Politics
How US strikes on Iran will impact travel as State Dept. issues 'worldwide caution'
The State Department has issued new warnings for Americans traveling around the world following U.S. airstrikes on Iran. On Saturday night, President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. military carried out strikes on three key nuclear facilities in Iran -- Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan -- using 14 "bunker-buster" bombs known as MOPs, or Massive Ordnance Penetrators. As a result of the U.S.' involvement, which initially started as a conflict between Israel and Iran, after Israel launched a strike against Iranian military and nuclear facilities on June 13, the U.S. State Department issued an alert on Sunday advising U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. State Department issues Worldwide Caution Security Alert "The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East," Sunday's alert read. "There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad." The State Department advised Americans to exercise increased caution globally and to check its specific country advisories, as well as "any recent security alerts when planning travel." Where to find latest US travel security status The State Department's country-specific travel advisories and security alerts can be found on its website and should be consulted when planning travel. Travelers can also join the department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, which allows users to "get important alerts and updates from the U.S. embassy or consulate for the destination in which you are visiting or living." "STEP messages are sent to your email. It also helps the U.S. embassy or consulate reach you or your emergency contact in an emergency," the website reads. Departure efforts and information to help US citizens leave the Middle East Israel and the West Bank The State Department issued new updates on Sunday with embassy branch information for Americans planning to leave Israel and the West Bank, including passport services, crossing operations schedules, exit tax fees and flight delay or cancellation expectations. The embassy has advised U.S. citizens seeking to leave Israel or the West Bank to "take the first available option, even if it is not your first choice of destination." The embassy remains on authorized departure status and has carried out at least two military flights to evacuate nonessential staffers and diplomats' family members from the country in the past week, bringing the total number of evacuees from the embassy to over 100, per an official. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Saturday that the U.S. began running assisted departure flights for private American citizens, but as of time of publication there was no update to the status of those efforts. A department official anticipated flights could ramp up in the coming days. According to the official, over 6,000 people in Israel have contacted the embassy about departure options. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Branch Office in Tel Aviv are closed Monday for emergency U.S. passport services. "The U.S. Embassy is also aware that there are commercial opportunities to depart Israel by ship, and U.S. citizens should check local media if other commercial opportunities arise to depart as we may not be able to provide the information before such travel options sell out," the latest security alert stated. Limitations on departing flights from Israel Israeli airlines will operate outbound flights from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Monday out of Terminal 3 for the first time since June 13 but will have a strict limit of 50 passengers per plane. "Ticket purchases are open to all applicants and without preference for passengers. Priority will be given to life-saving, humanitarian cases, and those based on security and national considerations," the Israeli Airport Authority stated. Although the U.S. has no diplomatic presence in Iran, the State Department is encouraging Americans in the country to depart "by land to Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye if they deem conditions are safe/if they can do so." The State Department is encouraging U.S. citizens in Iran to enroll in STEP and fill out its crisis intake form, found online here, in order to receive information about consular assistance. "However, because of the limitations on consular support in Iran, we do not anticipate offering direct U.S. government assisted departure from Iran," a security alert stated. "U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports and should be prepared to encounter checkpoints and questioning from Iranian authorities before departing Iran," the alert read. "The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran." The State Department said it is aware of hundreds of Americans who have successfully crossed Iran's land borders in recent days, and hundreds more who are awaiting authorization to enter neighboring countries, per an official. Iraq According to the State Department, officials impacted by the ordered departure issued on June 11 are continuing to depart from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. "The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate General in Erbil have temporarily suspended all routine visa services. Both the Embassy and the Consulate General continue to provide services for U.S. citizens," a security alert issued Sunday read. The alert continued, "There is increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence or attacks against U.S. businesses and locations frequented by U.S. citizens. We urge all U.S. citizens in Iraq to avoid locations frequented by foreigners and any large gatherings or crowds. The land borders to Kuwait and to Türkiye remain open." Lebanon As of Sunday, the State Department has ordered the departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Lebanon due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region. "Due to ongoing regional events, we remind U.S. citizens to continue to exercise caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments," a security alert stated, advising "commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available but limited." Middle East countries with heightened alerts, new restrictions Jordan Officials say they do not anticipate offering government-assisted departure options or evacuations from Jordan in the immediate future, but that they are actively planning for situations where that becomes necessary. "The Department of State's Travel Advisory for Jordan remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. We have no announcement about assisting private U.S. citizens to depart Jordan at this time. The Department of State is always planning for contingencies to assist with private U.S. citizens' departure from crisis areas," a travel advisory stated. "We will alert the U.S. citizen community if there is additional information to share regarding departure options." Turkey On Sunday, the State Department issued an updated advisory for travel in Turkey cautioning U.S. government personnel "to maintain a low profile" and "avoid personal travel to the U.S. Consulate Adana consular district, which comprises Türkiye's 22 southeasternmost provinces." "Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests in Türkiye," the alert continued. "In the past, such activities have included demonstrations, calls for boycotts of U.S. businesses, anti-U.S. rhetoric, and graffiti. Large gatherings may result in enhanced police presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions. Any gathering, even those intended to be peaceful, could escalate and turn violent on short notice." Saudi Arabia "Given reports of regional hostilities, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region," an update on Sunday stated. "We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom do the same. The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation." The statement continued, "We encourage all travelers to review our most recent Security Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families. At this time, U.S. Mission staffing and operations are unchanged, and consular services continue as normal."
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
Is it safe to travel abroad right now? Worldwide caution issued after US strikes on Iran
The State Department is urging Americans to be careful abroad, after this weekend's U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. 'There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad,' according to a security alert issued Sunday. Protests against U.S. involvement in the conflict have already erupted domestically and overseas. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.' The State Department has issued other worldwide cautions in recent years, including May 2024, when it warned of potential threats to LGBTQ+ travelers, and October 2023, amid the Israel-Hamas war. Here's what travelers should know this time. Is it safe to travel the world right now? Generally, yes. The worldwide caution is exactly that: general advice. However, there are a host of destinations the State Department urges Americans not to visit due to safety concerns, which can be found on the travel area of its website. Those include Iran and Israel, as well as places like Ukraine, Somalia and more. Earlier this month, the State Department authorized the departures of family members of U.S. government employees and select non-emergency U.S. government employees in Israel. The State Department also helped U.S. citizens leave Israel, but notes Iranian air space is closed and U.S. citizens hoping to leave Iran should go by land, when they feel it's safe to do so. Sunday's worldwide caution noted that travel may be disrupted across the Middle East due to the 'conflict between Israel and Iran." 'Don't know how we should behave': Is the US South LGBTQ friendly? How do you stay safe while traveling? Safety starts at home. Before departing, travelers are urged to research their destinations and check the State Department's country-specific travel advisories and security alerts. Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so they can receive embassy messages and alerts and be more easily located in the event of an emergency. Preparing a list of emergency contacts and an independent exit strategy is also helpful, since the U.S. government may not always be able to assist in evacuations. While abroad, travelers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and monitor local news for updates if a crisis or disaster arises. Additional tips and a Traveler's Checklist are available on the State Department's website.
