1-Assam Government Renames Karimganj District to Honor Poet Rabindranath Tagore
The Assam government has renamed Karimganj district as Sribhumi, in honor of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Tagore had referred to the region as Sribhumi (Maa Lakshmi) a hundred years ago.
Following the state cabinet’s decision, the district will now be officially known as Sribhumi.
Additionally, the Rajasthan government has made a significant decision to rename a tourist hotel in Ajmer.
The hotel, previously known as ‘Khadim’, will now be called ‘Ajayameru’, as officially announced by the Rajasthan Tourism Department.
2-51% of Indian Students in the US are from Telugu States, Leading the Enrollment Surge
Indian students have topped the list of international enrollments in the US this year, with a significant 51% coming from the Telugu states.
According to Rebecca Drum, Consular Chief at the US Consulate General in Hyderabad, there were 265,923 Indian students in the US during the 2022-23 period, which increased to 331,602 in 2023-24.
During a press meet in Visakhapatnam, Drum highlighted the efficient processing of visas by the Hyderabad consulate, averaging 1,600 visas per day.
The consulate has doubled its staff and plans to further triple the workforce to process 2,500 visas daily by next year.
The total number of Indian students in the US stands at 331,602, reflecting a 13% increase. The US-India relationship aims to strengthen with these educational exchanges.
In 2022, the Hyderabad consulate conducted 35,000 student visa interviews, increasing to 47,000 in 2023.
The demand for B1 and B2 visas is also high, taking up to a year for approval. However, worker and student visas are being granted in less than three months.
Notably, a pilot program has been introduced to renew H-1B domestic visas online, eliminating the need for Indians to return home for renewal.
Public Affairs Officer Alex McLean noted the preference for STEM courses among Indian students, contributing to India’s top position in sending students to the US.
He also emphasized the partnership’s role in strengthening ties between the two nations. Efforts are being made to encourage more female students to study in the US.
McLean also mentioned the successful initiatives at the American Corner in Andhra University and the positive interaction of US Navy personnel with NCC students.
Addressing the issue of suicides among Indian students, McLean acknowledged cultural differences and the need for increased awareness and adaptation to prevent such tragedies.
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