External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed Indians in Tripoli, Libya’s capital, to leave for home immediately as the situation in the city has worsened.Watch full video to know more.

Libya Crisis: MEA Sushma Swaraj asks Indians to leave Tripoli immediately as situation worsens

External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday took to Twitter to reach out to relatives of those Indians who are living in Libya. In a tweet she said that though there had been massive evacuations from Libya, more than 500 Indians were still stranded in Tripoli.

Libya Crisis: Sushma Swaraj asks Indian nationals to 'immediately' leave Tripoli

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-authorises-1-bn-for-trumps-border-wall-205641">Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall</a>

The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day</a>

British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636">55</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636">%</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636"> Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey</a>

Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-lawyer-charged-with-trying-to-extort-20-million-from-nike-205631">Stormy Daniels' lawyer charged with trying to extort $20 million from Nike</a>

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shakedown" Nike Inc for over $20 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-unveils-apple-tv-streaming-service-credit-card-205624">Apple starts streaming service to take on Netflix, Amazon</a>

Apple unveiled a new streaming-video service with original TV-series content called Apple TV+ on Monday, aiming to join the audiovisual streaming market mainly dominated by Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan. British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again. 55% Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night. Stormy Daniels' lawyer charged with trying to extort $20 million from Nike Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shakedown" Nike Inc for over $20 million. Apple starts streaming service to take on Netflix, Amazon Apple unveiled a new streaming-video service with original TV-series content called Apple TV+ on Monday, aiming to join the audiovisual streaming market mainly dominated by Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey.

With '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pursuit-of-happiness-can-make-you-unhappy-study-35640">more time</a>' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series.

"It's not surprising to see that the survey reflects an aspiring young India seeking more opportunities to acquire a new skill, unlearn or relearn if they find spare time or added time as a key get away. It's rather intriguing to see that they might put off a family vacation and instead put in those extra hours to acquire a new skill or a certification," Kronos Incorporated country manager, India, James Thomas said.

In their personal lives, the top five things people worldwide wish they could do more of are spend time with family (44 percent), travel (43 percent), exercise (33 percent), spend time with friends (30 percent) and pursue their hobbies (29 percent).

Employees in France, Germany, the US and the UK listed 'sleep more' as a top priority, while in the UK workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby.

While people in Mexico would spend more time watching TV, movies or listening to music and 'read more'.

Boomers in particular (51 percent) would like to travel more travel more, it added.

The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated global survey examining 3,000 employees across eight nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the UK and the US.

Meanwhile, the survey further revealed that India led the way as the hardest-working country, with a whopping 69 percent of full-time employees saying they would still work five days a week even if they had the option to work fewer days for the same pay.

While Mexico was the second-highest at 43 percent of workers would work five day week on same pay followed by the US at 27 percent.

The UK (16 percent), France (17 percent) and Australia (19 percent) are the least content with the standard five-day work week, it added.&nbsp;

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey. With 'more time' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series.

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey. With 'more time' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series. "It's not surprising to see that the survey reflects an aspiring young India seeking more opportunities to acquire a new skill, unlearn or relearn if they find spare time or added time as a key get away. It's rather intriguing to see that they might put off a family vacation and instead put in those extra hours to acquire a new skill or a certification," Kronos Incorporated country manager, India, James Thomas said. In their personal lives, the top five things people worldwide wish they could do more of are spend time with family (44 percent), travel (43 percent), exercise (33 percent), spend time with friends (30 percent) and pursue their hobbies (29 percent). Employees in France, Germany, the US and the UK listed 'sleep more' as a top priority, while in the UK workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby. While people in Mexico would spend more time watching TV, movies or listening to music and 'read more'. Boomers in particular (51 percent) would like to travel more travel more, it added. The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated global survey examining 3,000 employees across eight nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the UK and the US. Meanwhile, the survey further revealed that India led the way as the hardest-working country, with a whopping 69 percent of full-time employees saying they would still work five days a week even if they had the option to work fewer days for the same pay. While Mexico was the second-highest at 43 percent of workers would work five day week on same pay followed by the US at 27 percent. The UK (16 percent), France (17 percent) and Australia (19 percent) are the least content with the standard five-day work week, it added.

If given a 4-day work week, Indians would learn a new skill: Survey

Ten months after being kidnapped in Afghanistan's Baghlan province, one of the seven Indians has returned to India, the External Affairs Ministry said Monday.

It said India continued to work closely with the Afghan government for the safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals.

The seven Indian engineers were kidnapped by Taliban militants in the restive northern Baghlan province on May 6 last year. India has been requesting the Afghan government to secure the release of the Indians.

"One of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has safely returned to India," the MEA said.

"We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national," it said.

The Indian engineers were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station and they were kidnapped by Taliban militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue with the Afghan government on multiple occasions.

India has been carrying reconstruction activities in the war-torn country. It has already provided at least $2 billion aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Ten months after being kidnapped in Afghanistan's Baghlan province, one of the seven Indians has returned to India, the External Affairs Ministry said Monday. It said India continued to work closely with the Afghan government for the safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals.

Ten months after being kidnapped in Afghanistan's Baghlan province, one of the seven Indians has returned to India, the External Affairs Ministry said Monday. It said India continued to work closely with the Afghan government for the safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals. The seven Indian engineers were kidnapped by Taliban militants in the restive northern Baghlan province on May 6 last year. India has been requesting the Afghan government to secure the release of the Indians. "One of the seven Indian nationals, who was kidnapped in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in May 2018, has safely returned to India," the MEA said. "We are grateful to the Government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national," it said. The Indian engineers were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station and they were kidnapped by Taliban militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue with the Afghan government on multiple occasions. India has been carrying reconstruction activities in the war-torn country. It has already provided at least $2 billion aid to Afghanistan.

One of 7 kidnapped Indians returns home from Afghanistan

Indians must believe what the Armed forces say: PM Narendra Modi

Indian shooters failed to make the final of the men's 10m air rifle event of the ISSF World Cup here Monday.

The three Indians in the fray, Divyansh Singh Panwar, Ravi Kumar and Deepak Kumar finished 12th, 14th and 34th respectively at the DR Karni Singh Shooting Range.

The failure comes after two successful days in the season-opening International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in which Apurvi Chandela, in women's 10m air rifle, and Saurabh Chaudhary, in men's 10m air pistol, claimed gold with world records.

World Cup medallist Ravi shot 627 in the qualification, Deepak managed 624.3, while Divyansh had 627.2.

They will have to wait until the next World Cup to earn their quota places for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Even the Hungarian duo of the seasoned Peter Sidi and Istvan Peni, who won gold in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions on Sunday, could not clear the qualification hurdle.

Russia's Sergey Kamensky won gold in the event with 249.4, Chinese Yukun Liu bagged the silver with 247.0, while Zicheng Hui managed the bronze by shooting 225.9.

Yukun Liu topped the qualification and his countryman Zicheng Hui was second among the top eight qualifiers. Martin Strempfl came third.

Indian shooters failed to make the final of the men's 10m air rifle event of the ISSF World Cup here Monday. The three Indians in the fray, Divyansh Singh Panwar, Ravi Kumar and Deepak Kumar finished 12th, 14th and 34th respectively at the DR Karni Singh Shooting Range.

Indian shooters failed to make the final of the men's 10m air rifle event of the ISSF World Cup here Monday. The three Indians in the fray, Divyansh Singh Panwar, Ravi Kumar and Deepak Kumar finished 12th, 14th and 34th respectively at the DR Karni Singh Shooting Range. The failure comes after two successful days in the season-opening International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in which Apurvi Chandela, in women's 10m air rifle, and Saurabh Chaudhary, in men's 10m air pistol, claimed gold with world records. World Cup medallist Ravi shot 627 in the qualification, Deepak managed 624.3, while Divyansh had 627.2. They will have to wait until the next World Cup to earn their quota places for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Even the Hungarian duo of the seasoned Peter Sidi and Istvan Peni, who won gold in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions on Sunday, could not clear the qualification hurdle. Russia's Sergey Kamensky won gold in the event with 249.4, Chinese Yukun Liu bagged the silver with 247.0, while Zicheng Hui managed the bronze by shooting 225.9. Yukun Liu topped the qualification and his countryman Zicheng Hui was second among the top eight qualifiers. Martin Strempfl came third.

ISSF World Cup Shooting: Indians fail to make final of 10m air rifle

In pics: Indians turn Dubai airport into World's busiest international airport in 2018

Madhya Pradesh police on Friday claimed to have busted an online cheating racket running from Pakistan with the arrest of six Indian nationals in Madhya Pradesh.

Pushpendra Singh (27), Manish Bhalse (23), Nagendra Singh (28), Sujeet Singh (22), Kiran Singh (22) and Brijendra Singh (25) were arrested for allegedly cheating people in India while working for a Pakistani gang, said Indore police's Special Task Force chief Jitendra Singh.

Pushpendra Singh, hailing from Satna district and currently living in Indore, was allegedly the kingpin of the gang in India, he said.

The accused were associated with a Pakistani gang which cheated people through the `lottery scam', he said.

The accused sent emails to people, saying they had won the lottery but would need to pay some money to get the award amount.

The victims would be asked to transfer the money through Internet banking.

While the accused arranged opening of bank accounts where the money would be transferred, their handlers in Pakistan withdrew the money. The accused were given seven per cent commission, Singh said.

"We are scrutinising the bank accounts from which the money was withdrawn," he added.

Madhya Pradesh police on Friday claimed to have busted an online cheating racket running from Pakistan with the arrest of six Indian nationals in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh police on Friday claimed to have busted an online cheating racket running from Pakistan with the arrest of six Indian nationals in Madhya Pradesh. Pushpendra Singh (27), Manish Bhalse (23), Nagendra Singh (28), Sujeet Singh (22), Kiran Singh (22) and Brijendra Singh (25) were arrested for allegedly cheating people in India while working for a Pakistani gang, said Indore police's Special Task Force chief Jitendra Singh. Pushpendra Singh, hailing from Satna district and currently living in Indore, was allegedly the kingpin of the gang in India, he said. The accused were associated with a Pakistani gang which cheated people through the `lottery scam', he said. The accused sent emails to people, saying they had won the lottery but would need to pay some money to get the award amount. The victims would be asked to transfer the money through Internet banking. While the accused arranged opening of bank accounts where the money would be transferred, their handlers in Pakistan withdrew the money. The accused were given seven per cent commission, Singh said. "We are scrutinising the bank accounts from which the money was withdrawn," he added.

Six Indians working for Pakistani online cheating racket held

Over 50-thousand Indians got the US citizenship last year, second highest number after Mexicans.&nbsp;

There are more than 2.4 million Indian immigrants living in the US while thousands back home are working hard to realise their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-to-bring-executive-order-to-end-birthright-citizenship-174786">American dream</a>.

It's true that Indians get a preference over others when it comes to granting of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-plans-to-scrap-birthright-citizenship-174438">US citizenship</a>, but Trump's idea of doing away with birthright citizenship will prove to be a setback.

Trump hasn't shied away from making his position clear on immigrants and refugees and now he is considering ending birthright citizenship for US-born babies of illegal immigrants.

As mid-term elections approach, the US president is pushing the envelope.

2.4 MILLION INDIAN IMMIGRANTS

As per existing norms- thousands of children of Indian parents, including those born to guest worker visa and visitor visa holders, automatically become US citizens each year. Under current laws, any baby born in the US, regardless of the residential status of the newborn baby’s parents, is considered to be a citizen of the united states by birth and entitled to all the rights available to any us citizen. Once the baby is born, an American birth certificate is issued.

AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP&nbsp;

The citizenship offers social and economic benefits.&nbsp;American citizenship gives the opportunity to receive money for education. The US is home to one of the world's most renowned education systems, particularly in its colleges and universities. Citizens have the right to receive government-issued grants for education.

Only US citizens can run for public office. This is not a right afforded to green card holders. This is an opportunity to represent the public and make real change in state and national laws and policies.

American citizens can travel for an unlimited period of time without losing their citizenship status. This is very different from permanent residents whose status will be considered abandoned and green card will be taken if away from the US for a great length of time and they will not be able to re-enter the US.

There are many government benefits only available to US citizens. For example, citizens have access to full social security benefits such as welfare and food stamps.

Some of the best jobs in the US are federal government jobs and these jobs are only available to US citizens. Postal workers, court clerks and FBI agents are all federal positions. These jobs offer good salaries, amazing benefits and, often, incredible pensions.

Opponents of birthright citizenship fear that many people travel to the US even on a legal visa simply to have a child. Once the child is born and citizenship is conveyed, they return home. They do it for a chance at economic opportunities and a better life.

Over 50-thousand Indians got the US citizenship last year, second highest number after Mexicans. There are more than 2.4 million Indian immigrants living in the US while thousands back home are working hard to realise their American dream.

Over 50-thousand Indians got the US citizenship last year, second highest number after Mexicans. There are more than 2.4 million Indian immigrants living in the US while thousands back home are working hard to realise their American dream. It's true that Indians get a preference over others when it comes to granting of US citizenship, but Trump's idea of doing away with birthright citizenship will prove to be a setback. Trump hasn't shied away from making his position clear on immigrants and refugees and now he is considering ending birthright citizenship for US-born babies of illegal immigrants. As mid-term elections approach, the US president is pushing the envelope. 2.4 MILLION INDIAN IMMIGRANTS As per existing norms- thousands of children of Indian parents, including those born to guest worker visa and visitor visa holders, automatically become US citizens each year. Under current laws, any baby born in the US, regardless of the residential status of the newborn baby’s parents, is considered to be a citizen of the united states by birth and entitled to all the rights available to any us citizen. Once the baby is born, an American birth certificate is issued. AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP The citizenship offers social and economic benefits. American citizenship gives the opportunity to receive money for education. The US is home to one of the world's most renowned education systems, particularly in its colleges and universities. Citizens have the right to receive government-issued grants for education. Only US citizens can run for public office. This is not a right afforded to green card holders. This is an opportunity to represent the public and make real change in state and national laws and policies. American citizens can travel for an unlimited period of time without losing their citizenship status. This is very different from permanent residents whose status will be considered abandoned and green card will be taken if away from the US for a great length of time and they will not be able to re-enter the US. There are many government benefits only available to US citizens. For example, citizens have access to full social security benefits such as welfare and food stamps. Some of the best jobs in the US are federal government jobs and these jobs are only available to US citizens. Postal workers, court clerks and FBI agents are all federal positions. These jobs offer good salaries, amazing benefits and, often, incredible pensions. Opponents of birthright citizenship fear that many people travel to the US even on a legal visa simply to have a child. Once the child is born and citizenship is conveyed, they return home. They do it for a chance at economic opportunities and a better life.

Here is how Trump's war on birthright citizenship will impact Indians

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">consulate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible</a>

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.S. President Donald Trump said was credible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-fourths-of-h1b-visa-holders-in-2018-are-indians-us-report-172413">Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report</a>

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. 
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-60-dead-in-amritsar-train-accident-centre-to-give-rs-2-lakh-to-kin-of-deceased-rs-50000-to-injured-172416">Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning on Saturday</a>

Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-is-south-indias-ayodhya-vhp-172417">Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP</a>

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">centres</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420"> open</a>

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.

Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.S. President Donald Trump said was credible. Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5. Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning on Saturday Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra. Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya. Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling centres open Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Over 50,000 Indians were granted the American citizenship in 2017, four thousand more than the previous year, according to the latest official report.

The Department of Homeland Security in its latest annual immigration report said that in 2017, as many as 50,802 Indians took citizenship of the United States.

This is four thousand more than 2016's figure of 46,188 Indian naturalization and eight thousand more than 42,213 Indian citizenship in 2015.

In all, 707,265 foreign nationals took the oath of American citizenship in 2017, as against 753,060 in 2016 and 730,259 in 2015.

Mexico with 118,559 citizenships topped the list among all foreign nationals.

India was a distant second, followed by China (37,674); the Philippines (36,828); Dominican Republic (29,734); Cuba (25,961).

Figures indicated that more females (396,234) took American citizenship than male (310,987).

The report indicates that as many as 12,000 newly naturalized American citizens from India settled in California, followed by New Jersey (5,900), and Texas about 3,700.

More than 7,100 naturalized Americans lived in the regions of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

Over 50,000 Indians were granted the American citizenship in 2017, four thousand more than the previous year, according to the latest official report. The Department of Homeland Security in its latest annual immigration report said that in 2017, as many as 50,802 Indians took citizenship of the United States.

Over 50,000 Indians were granted the American citizenship in 2017, four thousand more than the previous year, according to the latest official report. The Department of Homeland Security in its latest annual immigration report said that in 2017, as many as 50,802 Indians took citizenship of the United States. This is four thousand more than 2016's figure of 46,188 Indian naturalization and eight thousand more than 42,213 Indian citizenship in 2015. In all, 707,265 foreign nationals took the oath of American citizenship in 2017, as against 753,060 in 2016 and 730,259 in 2015. Mexico with 118,559 citizenships topped the list among all foreign nationals. India was a distant second, followed by China (37,674); the Philippines (36,828); Dominican Republic (29,734); Cuba (25,961). Figures indicated that more females (396,234) took American citizenship than male (310,987). The report indicates that as many as 12,000 newly naturalized American citizens from India settled in California, followed by New Jersey (5,900), and Texas about 3,700. More than 7,100 naturalized Americans lived in the regions of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

50,000 Indians took US citizenship in 2017: Official report

In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and &nbsp;Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians.&nbsp;

The ban was imposed three months ago.

The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport.

"The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels.

The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi.

But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development.&nbsp;

New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year.

Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large.

Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector.

This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians. The ban was imposed three months ago. The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport. "The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn. Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels. The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi. But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development. New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large. Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector. This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

Maldives government imposes 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians

Indian Navy on Sunday launched ‘Operation Nistar’ to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.

A Navy spokesperson said INS Sunayna, which was deployed in Western Arabian Sea, is now heading towards Socotra for the humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operation.

"#HADR @indiannavy launches #OpNistar 2 evacuate around 38 stranded Indian nationals in/around Socotra. INS Sunayna mission deployed in W Arabian Sea has been diverted to reach off Socotra tomorrow. Indian seafarers stranded view cyclone Mekunu which hit that area few days back," the spokesperson tweeted.

The cyclone Mekunu badly hit various parts of Oman and Socotra island.

Indian seafarers have been stranded due to Cyclone Mekunu which hit that area a few days back. Scocotra is about 1,180 nautical miles from Mumbai.

(With inputs from PTI)

INS Sunayna has been deployed as part of the ‘Operation Nistar’ to evacuate the Indians.

Indian Navy on Sunday launched ‘Operation Nistar’ to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. A Navy spokesperson said INS Sunayna, which was deployed in Western Arabian Sea, is now heading towards Socotra for the humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operation. "#HADR @indiannavy launches #OpNistar 2 evacuate around 38 stranded Indian nationals in/around Socotra. INS Sunayna mission deployed in W Arabian Sea has been diverted to reach off Socotra tomorrow. Indian seafarers stranded view cyclone Mekunu which hit that area few days back," the spokesperson tweeted. The cyclone Mekunu badly hit various parts of Oman and Socotra island. Indian seafarers have been stranded due to Cyclone Mekunu which hit that area a few days back. Scocotra is about 1,180 nautical miles from Mumbai. (With inputs from PTI)

Navy sends ship to Socotra island in Yemen to rescue 38 stranded Indians

As the world gears up to see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot in a traditional manner on May 19 at St. George's Chapel, India also has a few ambassadors representing the country at the highly televised event.&nbsp;

Apart from Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, there are three other Indians attending the wedding.

Suhani Jalota from Mumbai who is the founder Myna Mahila Foundation, the NGO that promotes menstrual hygiene and was selected by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as one of the seven charities to benefit from donations from the Royal Wedding.

The foundation is also one of seven charities the royal couple has selected for guests to donate money to in lieu of gifts after Markle visited it last year.

She will make her way from London to Windsor Castle, 20 miles away, to attend the royal wedding.

''It is a great honour and responsibility because I will be a representative of India at the wedding,'' Suhani Jalota&nbsp;

She will be wearing a peach sari and will be accompanied by three other women from her Myna Mahila Foundation.

Archana Ambre, 25, a sales manager from Myna Mahila Foundation who lives in Mankhurd slum, and Deborah Das, 31, production and HR manager with the charity, from Maharashtra Nagar slum, will also join the star-studded guest list with Suhani Jalota at the wedding inside Windsor Castle.

Neither Ambre nor Das had ever flown on an aeroplane before. In fact, Das did not even have a passport when she got the invitation card printed in gold with her name on in the post a month ago.&nbsp;

They have received invitations to the wedding alongside the founder of the charity, Suhani Jalota, 23, and its UK volunteer, Imogen Mansfield, 26.

Suhani Jalota is one of the 600 guests attending the St George’s Chapel service, whereas the other three will watch from inside the grounds of Windsor Castle alongside 100 schoolchildren, charity representatives and handpicked members of the public.

Apart from the Queen and royalty, famous stars like singer Sir Elton John, American tennis star Serena Williams, Meghan’s Suits co-stars, designer Mino Nonoo, and Victoria and David Beckham will also be seen.

“Meghan is sincere and well-researched. When she came to see us, she did not just talk about women’s empowerment because it was trendy. She knew her stuff,” Jalota said. “She said she would help us in any way she could. We never anticipated something like this would happen. It is an honour to be representing India — I feel so excited. It was a huge shock. I am looking forward to seeing Meghan and the other charities and we are really excited about seeing Priyanka.” 
&nbsp;

The founder of Myna Mahila Foundation, the NGO is all set to attend the wedding

As the world gears up to see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot in a traditional manner on May 19 at St. George's Chapel, India also has a few ambassadors representing the country at the highly televised event. Apart from Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, there are three other Indians attending the wedding. Suhani Jalota from Mumbai who is the founder Myna Mahila Foundation, the NGO that promotes menstrual hygiene and was selected by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as one of the seven charities to benefit from donations from the Royal Wedding. The foundation is also one of seven charities the royal couple has selected for guests to donate money to in lieu of gifts after Markle visited it last year. She will make her way from London to Windsor Castle, 20 miles away, to attend the royal wedding. ''It is a great honour and responsibility because I will be a representative of India at the wedding,'' Suhani Jalota She will be wearing a peach sari and will be accompanied by three other women from her Myna Mahila Foundation. Archana Ambre, 25, a sales manager from Myna Mahila Foundation who lives in Mankhurd slum, and Deborah Das, 31, production and HR manager with the charity, from Maharashtra Nagar slum, will also join the star-studded guest list with Suhani Jalota at the wedding inside Windsor Castle. Neither Ambre nor Das had ever flown on an aeroplane before. In fact, Das did not even have a passport when she got the invitation card printed in gold with her name on in the post a month ago. They have received invitations to the wedding alongside the founder of the charity, Suhani Jalota, 23, and its UK volunteer, Imogen Mansfield, 26. Suhani Jalota is one of the 600 guests attending the St George’s Chapel service, whereas the other three will watch from inside the grounds of Windsor Castle alongside 100 schoolchildren, charity representatives and handpicked members of the public. Apart from the Queen and royalty, famous stars like singer Sir Elton John, American tennis star Serena Williams, Meghan’s Suits co-stars, designer Mino Nonoo, and Victoria and David Beckham will also be seen. “Meghan is sincere and well-researched. When she came to see us, she did not just talk about women’s empowerment because it was trendy. She knew her stuff,” Jalota said. “She said she would help us in any way she could. We never anticipated something like this would happen. It is an honour to be representing India — I feel so excited. It was a huge shock. I am looking forward to seeing Meghan and the other charities and we are really excited about seeing Priyanka.”

Royal wedding: Not just Priyanka Chopra, here are other Indians attending the wedding

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Sunday that a total of 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India will go on Haj this year without any subsidy, a first after Independence.&nbsp

The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time.&nbsp

The total pilgrims this year include 19,000 pilgrims from Delhi, 14,500 from Lucknow, 14,200 from Mumbai, 11,700 from Cochin, 11,610 from Kolkata, 8,950 from Srinagar, 7,600 from Hyderabad, 6,700 from Ahmedabad, 5,550 from Bengaluru, 5,500 from Jaipur and 5,140 from Gaya.

A total of 4,000 pilgrims from Chennai, 3,250 from Varanasi, 2,950 from Guwahati, 2,800 from Nagpur, 2,100 from Ranchi, 450 from Goa, 430 from Mangalore, 350 from Aurangabad and 254 from Bhopal will also visit Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

As many as 1,28,002 pilgrims — including around 47 per cent females — will go on the Muslim pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India while 47,023 will opt for the services of private tour operators.

The Minister said 355,604 applications were received for Haj this year, including 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants.

He said at least Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year even after ending the Haj subsidy. A total of Rs 973 crore will be paid to airlines for 1,28,002 pilgrims.

Naqvi said that the Union government's decision to allow Haj pilgrims to choose the embarkation point most suited to them, instead of the earlier practice of fixing such a point for them, was benefiting those going to perform Haj.&nbsp

"Due to this new rule by the Union government, Haj pilgrims can board a flight from the airport most convenient for them. It has saved the government a lot of money," he added.&nbsp

The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Sunday that a total of 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India will go on Haj this year without any subsidy, a first after Independence. The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time. The total pilgrims this year include 19,000 pilgrims from Delhi, 14,500 from Lucknow, 14,200 from Mumbai, 11,700 from Cochin, 11,610 from Kolkata, 8,950 from Srinagar, 7,600 from Hyderabad, 6,700 from Ahmedabad, 5,550 from Bengaluru, 5,500 from Jaipur and 5,140 from Gaya. A total of 4,000 pilgrims from Chennai, 3,250 from Varanasi, 2,950 from Guwahati, 2,800 from Nagpur, 2,100 from Ranchi, 450 from Goa, 430 from Mangalore, 350 from Aurangabad and 254 from Bhopal will also visit Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. As many as 1,28,002 pilgrims — including around 47 per cent females — will go on the Muslim pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India while 47,023 will opt for the services of private tour operators. The Minister said 355,604 applications were received for Haj this year, including 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants. He said at least Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year even after ending the Haj subsidy. A total of Rs 973 crore will be paid to airlines for 1,28,002 pilgrims. Naqvi said that the Union government's decision to allow Haj pilgrims to choose the embarkation point most suited to them, instead of the earlier practice of fixing such a point for them, was benefiting those going to perform Haj. "Due to this new rule by the Union government, Haj pilgrims can board a flight from the airport most convenient for them. It has saved the government a lot of money," he added.

1.75 lakh pilgrims from India to go on Haj this year for the first time after Independence

According to a recent study, people who got to bed after 10 pm are sleep deprived, irrespective of the numbers of hours of sleep.

Conducted by Godrej Interio, the study revealed that sleeping post 10 pm is clinically declared as an inappropriate time to go to sleep as it triggers a change in the sleeping pattern that leads to sleep deprivation.

India&#39;s leading furniture brand in both home and institutional segments launched the &#39;sleep@10 campaign&#39; last year, that focused on addressing the rising concern over sleep deprivation in India.

The study was conducted across 8,000 Indians living across the metros in India with over 93 per cent Indian being sleep deprived.&nbsp;

The study is based on the insights sourced from Indians that have taken their sleep test on the sleep-o-meter hosted on the sleep@10 website.&nbsp;

According to a report, around 1.5 lacs Indians took the sleep test and out of all cities, people living in Mumbai are the most sleep-deprived.&nbsp;

The survey also found that nine out of every ten respondents felt dull after they wake up.&nbsp;

Around to 64% of the respondents admitted that &#39;screen time&#39;, including television and phone, delayed their sleep time while 55% of the respondents said they slept after midnight while the ideal time would be around 10 pm.&nbsp;

The study further revealed that the problem of not sleeping on time wasn&#39;t only restricted to adults but kids as well wherein only 90% of respondents below 18 years sleep after 10 pm leading to sleep deprivation on a rampant rise among the next generation.

Commenting on the research findings, Dr. Preeti Devanani, Sleep medicine specialist, Sleep@10 - A Godrej Interio initiative, said, &quot;The time of night when you sleep makes a significant difference in terms of the architecture and quality of your sleep. The slumber is composed of a series of 90-minute cycles during which your brain moves from lighter stages to deep slow wave sleep which is a part of non-Rapid Eye Movement (non-REM) sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is essential for memory formation and hormonal regulation.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;The cycle durations and percentages vary depending on the level of sleep deprivation as the brain has to compensate with recovery sleep and this may compromise quality and functions,&quot; She added.&nbsp;

&quot;Also, the addiction to technology and multiple devices all through the day and accessing them immediately before sleeping is also on the rise impacting the quality and duration of sleep. In this modern lifestyle, sleep deprivation is turning out to be a rising concern.&quot;

The study also revealed that 95% very rarely sleep at 10 pm whereas 35% respondents sleep after 12 am and 34% sleep less than 6 hours in Mumbai.&nbsp;

In Delhi, 72% respondents very rarely sleep at 10 pm whereas 14.36% sleep after 12 am and 30.4% sleep less than 6 hours.&nbsp;

In tier 3 cities, only 13% respondents sleep at 10 pm whereas 35% sleep less than 6 hours while only 6% feel fresh and are ready to face the world after waking up.&nbsp;

Prominent lifestyle changes in adults seem to be a compelling reason for sleep deprivation. 
&nbsp;

The study was conducted by Godrej Interio

According to a recent study, people who got to bed after 10 pm are sleep deprived, irrespective of the numbers of hours of sleep. Conducted by Godrej Interio, the study revealed that sleeping post 10 pm is clinically declared as an inappropriate time to go to sleep as it triggers a change in the sleeping pattern that leads to sleep deprivation. India's leading furniture brand in both home and institutional segments launched the 'sleep@10 campaign' last year, that focused on addressing the rising concern over sleep deprivation in India. The study was conducted across 8,000 Indians living across the metros in India with over 93 per cent Indian being sleep deprived. The study is based on the insights sourced from Indians that have taken their sleep test on the sleep-o-meter hosted on the sleep@10 website. According to a report, around 1.5 lacs Indians took the sleep test and out of all cities, people living in Mumbai are the most sleep-deprived. The survey also found that nine out of every ten respondents felt dull after they wake up. Around to 64% of the respondents admitted that 'screen time', including television and phone, delayed their sleep time while 55% of the respondents said they slept after midnight while the ideal time would be around 10 pm. The study further revealed that the problem of not sleeping on time wasn't only restricted to adults but kids as well wherein only 90% of respondents below 18 years sleep after 10 pm leading to sleep deprivation on a rampant rise among the next generation. Commenting on the research findings, Dr. Preeti Devanani, Sleep medicine specialist, Sleep@10 - A Godrej Interio initiative, said, "The time of night when you sleep makes a significant difference in terms of the architecture and quality of your sleep. The slumber is composed of a series of 90-minute cycles during which your brain moves from lighter stages to deep slow wave sleep which is a part of non-Rapid Eye Movement (non-REM) sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is essential for memory formation and hormonal regulation." "The cycle durations and percentages vary depending on the level of sleep deprivation as the brain has to compensate with recovery sleep and this may compromise quality and functions," She added. "Also, the addiction to technology and multiple devices all through the day and accessing them immediately before sleeping is also on the rise impacting the quality and duration of sleep. In this modern lifestyle, sleep deprivation is turning out to be a rising concern." The study also revealed that 95% very rarely sleep at 10 pm whereas 35% respondents sleep after 12 am and 34% sleep less than 6 hours in Mumbai. In Delhi, 72% respondents very rarely sleep at 10 pm whereas 14.36% sleep after 12 am and 30.4% sleep less than 6 hours. In tier 3 cities, only 13% respondents sleep at 10 pm whereas 35% sleep less than 6 hours while only 6% feel fresh and are ready to face the world after waking up. Prominent lifestyle changes in adults seem to be a compelling reason for sleep deprivation.

Over 90% Indians are sleep-deprived: Study

While Indians are getting less and less happy with every passing year, their Pakistani counterparts have gained in the happiness index as per the latest United Nations ranking of the world&#39;s happiest countries.

India, which dropped four places in the 2017 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-the-worlds-happiest-country-the-un-says-35842">World Happiness Report</a>, fell a further 11 places as per 2018 report. It now ranks a low 133 on the list of 156 countries monitored by the United Nations&#39; Sustainable Development Solutions Network for its annual &#39;joy&#39; report.

By comparison, terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already &#39;happier&#39; than India in the 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings. It&#39;s on number 75, up five spots from last year.

Not just Pakistan, all of India&#39;s neighbours are more joyful than Indians, despite many of them not being nearly as well-off economically or even socially. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are all ahead of India in the Happiness rankings. Even state-controled China is happier than India.

Finland is the world&#39;s happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.

The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network&#39;s (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption. 
&nbsp;

Terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already 'happier' than India in the UN's 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings

While Indians are getting less and less happy with every passing year, their Pakistani counterparts have gained in the happiness index as per the latest United Nations ranking of the world's happiest countries. India, which dropped four places in the 2017 World Happiness Report, fell a further 11 places as per 2018 report. It now ranks a low 133 on the list of 156 countries monitored by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Solutions Network for its annual 'joy' report. By comparison, terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already 'happier' than India in the 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings. It's on number 75, up five spots from last year. Not just Pakistan, all of India's neighbours are more joyful than Indians, despite many of them not being nearly as well-off economically or even socially. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are all ahead of India in the Happiness rankings. Even state-controled China is happier than India. Finland is the world's happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer. The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network's (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.

Pakistanis are more joyful than Indians: UN

Indian students suffered after there was a massive drop in the number of visas issued by the United States in 2017, dropping by 28 per cent.&nbsp;

As per reports, the total number of F-1 student visas issued to international students plummeted by 17 per cent from 417,728 in 2016 to 393,573. Indians accounted for the largest drop - from 65,257 in 2016 to 47,302 in 2017.

Other than that, the number of visas issued to students from China dropped by 24 per cent. Excluding China, the overall number fell by 13 per cent.

In China, a 2014 change in visa policy allows Chinese students to obtain an F-1 visa for a five-year period instead of one, freeing them from having to renew their visa each year. This could be the primary factor to the recent declines, reports said.&nbsp;

India and China have the maximum number of students studying in the US followed by South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

The massive decline in the number of international student visas has left some of America&#39;s top universities and schools in a bit of a toss. Some officials hold the Trump administration responsible for the move.&nbsp;

The drop&nbsp;in the&nbsp;number of visas issued&nbsp;to international students can be bad news for schools that have large international student populations. Nearly 20 per cent of the University of Tulsa&#39;s 4,400 enrolled students hail from overseas.

The decline in the number of foreign students had started before Trump became president - it came down from 644,233 in 2015 to 471,728 in 2016. The significant drop has is a result of high tuition costs and the state of the job market in the US.

Instead, they are going to countries like Canada, Germany and Australia, which are making it easier for international students to stay in the country after they graduate and become part of the workforce.

F-1 visa approvals were trending higher for nearly a decade when they peaked at more than 600,000 in 2015. But they have dropped off dramatically since.

The number of visas issued to students from China dropped by 24%.

Indian students suffered after there was a massive drop in the number of visas issued by the United States in 2017, dropping by 28 per cent. As per reports, the total number of F-1 student visas issued to international students plummeted by 17 per cent from 417,728 in 2016 to 393,573. Indians accounted for the largest drop - from 65,257 in 2016 to 47,302 in 2017. Other than that, the number of visas issued to students from China dropped by 24 per cent. Excluding China, the overall number fell by 13 per cent. In China, a 2014 change in visa policy allows Chinese students to obtain an F-1 visa for a five-year period instead of one, freeing them from having to renew their visa each year. This could be the primary factor to the recent declines, reports said. India and China have the maximum number of students studying in the US followed by South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada. The massive decline in the number of international student visas has left some of America's top universities and schools in a bit of a toss. Some officials hold the Trump administration responsible for the move. The drop in the number of visas issued to international students can be bad news for schools that have large international student populations. Nearly 20 per cent of the University of Tulsa's 4,400 enrolled students hail from overseas. The decline in the number of foreign students had started before Trump became president - it came down from 644,233 in 2015 to 471,728 in 2016. The significant drop has is a result of high tuition costs and the state of the job market in the US. Instead, they are going to countries like Canada, Germany and Australia, which are making it easier for international students to stay in the country after they graduate and become part of the workforce. F-1 visa approvals were trending higher for nearly a decade when they peaked at more than 600,000 in 2015. But they have dropped off dramatically since.

28 per cent drop in US student visas to Indians in 2017

In a relief for Indian techies, US authorities today said that the Trump administration is not considering any proposal that would force H-1B visa holders to leave the country.

The announcement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) came days after reports emerged that the Trump administration was considering tightening H-1B visa rules that could lead to deportation of 7,50,000 Indians.

The reports had said it was mulling ending extensions for H-1B holders.

The USCIS &quot;is not considering a regulatory change that would force H-1B visa holders to leave the United States by changing interpretation of section certain language in Section 104 C of the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21) statute that states that USCIS may grant the extensions,&quot; an official said.

This provides for H-1B extensions beyond the 6-year limit.

&quot;Even if it were, such a change would not likely result in these H-1B visa holders having to leave the United States because employers could request extensions in one-year increments under section 106(a)-(b) of AC21 instead,&quot; Jonathan Withington, Chief of Media Relations at the USCIS, said in a statement.

&quot;The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the President&#39;s Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes,&quot; Withington said.

The statement comes after last week&#39;s news report by US- based news agency McClatchy DC Bureau according to which the US was considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas, the most sought after by Indian IT professionals.

The USCIS was never considering such a policy change, he said adding that &quot;any suggestion that USCIS changed its position because of pressure is absolutely false.&quot;

The reported move had been opposed by both the industry and several lawmakers.

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), a trade association of Indian information technology, had warned that any disruptive move on the visa front would be detrimental for both India and the US.

The USCIS has a Congressional mandate to issue 65,000 H- 1B visas in general category and another 20,000 for those applicants having higher education -- masters and above -- from US universities in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The H-1B programme offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers.

Since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been talking about cracking down on the H- 1B visa scheme.

During his election campaign, President Trump promised to increase oversight of our H-1B and L-1 visa programmes to prevent its abuse.

The announcement came days after reports that Trump will tighten H-1B visa rules, leading to deportation of 7,50,000 Indians

In a relief for Indian techies, US authorities today said that the Trump administration is not considering any proposal that would force H-1B visa holders to leave the country. The announcement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) came days after reports emerged that the Trump administration was considering tightening H-1B visa rules that could lead to deportation of 7,50,000 Indians. The reports had said it was mulling ending extensions for H-1B holders. The USCIS "is not considering a regulatory change that would force H-1B visa holders to leave the United States by changing interpretation of section certain language in Section 104 C of the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21) statute that states that USCIS may grant the extensions," an official said. This provides for H-1B extensions beyond the 6-year limit. "Even if it were, such a change would not likely result in these H-1B visa holders having to leave the United States because employers could request extensions in one-year increments under section 106(a)-(b) of AC21 instead," Jonathan Withington, Chief of Media Relations at the USCIS, said in a statement. "The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the President's Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes," Withington said. The statement comes after last week's news report by US- based news agency McClatchy DC Bureau according to which the US was considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas, the most sought after by Indian IT professionals. The USCIS was never considering such a policy change, he said adding that "any suggestion that USCIS changed its position because of pressure is absolutely false." The reported move had been opposed by both the industry and several lawmakers. The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), a trade association of Indian information technology, had warned that any disruptive move on the visa front would be detrimental for both India and the US. The USCIS has a Congressional mandate to issue 65,000 H- 1B visas in general category and another 20,000 for those applicants having higher education -- masters and above -- from US universities in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The H-1B programme offers temporary US visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers. Since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been talking about cracking down on the H- 1B visa scheme. During his election campaign, President Trump promised to increase oversight of our H-1B and L-1 visa programmes to prevent its abuse.

Relief for Indian techies, US says no change in H-1B extension policy

Bangladesh police said on Monday, they would deport five Indians caught betting at a weekend cricket match as authorities crack down on illegal bookmaking in the lucrative domestic league. The men were detained Saturday at Dhaka&#39;s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium during the one-day Bangladesh Premier League match, police said.&nbsp;

They were caught by cricket officials concerned about match-fixing and illegal gambling in the hugely popular league.&nbsp;&quot;We have handed them over to police as this is the most we could do. They will take further action&quot;, said cricket board spokesman Jalal Yunus.&nbsp;

Two of the accused were previously caught betting during Bangladesh&#39;s home series against England in October last year, he added.&nbsp;Authorities were &quot;in the process of deporting them to India&quot;, said local police head,&nbsp;Nazrul Islam.&nbsp;

Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh but the cricket league has been dogged by betting scandals and its first two editions were marred by a match-fixing controversy, involving various players and team owners.&nbsp;Last week nearly 80 spectators at two cricket grounds were thrown out on suspicion of betting. The alleged offenders -- including 10 Indians -- used mobile phones to place live bets before scores were broadcast on television and online.

A leading newspaper reported last week that betting on domestic cricket was rampant, with tea stalls, restaurants, and rickshaw garages doubling as venues to place bets.&nbsp;The cricket board searches stadiums to catch gamblers but that has not stamped out the practice.

Last year the country&#39;s communications regulator blocked a dozen gaming websites in a bid to curb betting on cricket.&nbsp;Nearly 50 foreign cricketers, including Sri Lanka&#39;s Lasith Malinga, the West Indies&#39; Chris Gayle, New Zealand&#39;s Brendon McCullum, and England&#39;s Jos Buttler, are competing in the seven-team BPL tournament this year.

With the lucrative Bangladesh Premier League going on, Bangladesh police has decided to deport five Indians on the grounds of illegal betting on cricket

Bangladesh police said on Monday, they would deport five Indians caught betting at a weekend cricket match as authorities crack down on illegal bookmaking in the lucrative domestic league. The men were detained Saturday at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium during the one-day Bangladesh Premier League match, police said. They were caught by cricket officials concerned about match-fixing and illegal gambling in the hugely popular league. "We have handed them over to police as this is the most we could do. They will take further action", said cricket board spokesman Jalal Yunus. Two of the accused were previously caught betting during Bangladesh's home series against England in October last year, he added. Authorities were "in the process of deporting them to India", said local police head, Nazrul Islam. Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh but the cricket league has been dogged by betting scandals and its first two editions were marred by a match-fixing controversy, involving various players and team owners. Last week nearly 80 spectators at two cricket grounds were thrown out on suspicion of betting. The alleged offenders -- including 10 Indians -- used mobile phones to place live bets before scores were broadcast on television and online. A leading newspaper reported last week that betting on domestic cricket was rampant, with tea stalls, restaurants, and rickshaw garages doubling as venues to place bets. The cricket board searches stadiums to catch gamblers but that has not stamped out the practice. Last year the country's communications regulator blocked a dozen gaming websites in a bid to curb betting on cricket. Nearly 50 foreign cricketers, including Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga, the West Indies' Chris Gayle, New Zealand's Brendon McCullum, and England's Jos Buttler, are competing in the seven-team BPL tournament this year.

Bangladesh to deport 5 Indians for betting on cricket

If one has to abide by history, then this week a strange incident occurred in the University of Virginia, where a group of thousand white people (immigrants from 1600) took a tiki torch march demanding an end to immigration.

The University of Virginia founded in 1819 by the declaration of independence author Thomas Jefferson amongst many other things is well known for its historical foundations. Situated in a peaceful locality of 50,000 residents Charlottesville witnessed another incident of white supremacist rally, this time headed by self-promoting white supremacist Richard Spencer, also a graduate of the University of Virginia.

In a self-recorded film, he went on saying &ldquo;your head&#39;s gonna spin, how many times we are going to be back here. We&#39;re going to make Charlottesville the center of the universe.&rdquo;

Now that&#39;s challenging the entire physical cosmology, from a university which boasts about one of the best graduate programs in physics in the world.

On the other hand, White nationalists carrying torches marched in Charlottesville, Virginia governor declared a state of emergency after violent outbursts.

The mayor of the Charlottesville had to say this:

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Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. You&rsquo;re not welcome here! Go home! Meantime we&rsquo;re looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned.
&mdash; Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSigner/status/916838439567482881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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After speaking to Indian parents of students studying in and around Virginia, the sentiment common amongst them was, they still trust the respective universities and were not afraid for their children. None has reported an incident of racism on campus.

One of the parents even narrated an interesting story where the University of Virginia tech cancelled the admission of a white student who went on saying on the common facebook page for the freshers that the Indians are taking too much space there. The interesting part is not the responsible action taken by the university, but it was taken without anyone reporting the incident.

They term the&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;march as an isolated incident driven by few people who don&#39;t actually reflect the sentiments of the larger society.

At present, a hundred and thousand Indian students are studying under different courses in the USA. Even if one goes by the average course fee paid by these students, it amounts to 518 crores US dollars.

Although, the recent media reporting from the US term it as another example which exposes the deeply seeded divide which has always existed in America.

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<h5>One has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities.</h5>
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Around similar times, Trump administration releases hard-line immigration principles, threatening the deal on &#39;dreamers&#39;.

Many would like to draw parallel lines from both the incidents, yet one has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities, at least for now.

Many unite the right protesters wore white nationalist and Nazi paraphernalia, a militia arrived armed with heavy weaponry and some individuals wore Ku Klux Klan imagery. Former KKK leader David Duke attended.

The gathering is a reminder of an undercurrent which supposedly got Trump to be the president, the anti-semitic, anti-immigration, and racist slogans&nbsp;reflects not the hatred but maybe the insecurity of the whites which is seeded as KKK is a group founded in 1921: its members put on hoods and&nbsp;burned crosses at&nbsp;midnight&nbsp;at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson&rsquo;s sprawling plantation and the site of his grave.

So is this the other side of the pole, when we talk of Muslim radicalisation. Finally, what can summarise the uprising sentiments better, than George Orwell from Animal Farm?

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

&nbsp;

White nationalists protest in Virginia, demanding an end to immigration

If one has to abide by history, then this week a strange incident occurred in the University of Virginia, where a group of thousand white people (immigrants from 1600) took a tiki torch march demanding an end to immigration. The University of Virginia founded in 1819 by the declaration of independence author Thomas Jefferson amongst many other things is well known for its historical foundations. Situated in a peaceful locality of 50,000 residents Charlottesville witnessed another incident of white supremacist rally, this time headed by self-promoting white supremacist Richard Spencer, also a graduate of the University of Virginia. In a self-recorded film, he went on saying “your head's gonna spin, how many times we are going to be back here. We're going to make Charlottesville the center of the universe.” Now that's challenging the entire physical cosmology, from a university which boasts about one of the best graduate programs in physics in the world. On the other hand, White nationalists carrying torches marched in Charlottesville, Virginia governor declared a state of emergency after violent outbursts. The mayor of the Charlottesville had to say this: Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. You’re not welcome here! Go home! Meantime we’re looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned. — Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) October 8, 2017 × After speaking to Indian parents of students studying in and around Virginia, the sentiment common amongst them was, they still trust the respective universities and were not afraid for their children. None has reported an incident of racism on campus. One of the parents even narrated an interesting story where the University of Virginia tech cancelled the admission of a white student who went on saying on the common facebook page for the freshers that the Indians are taking too much space there. The interesting part is not the responsible action taken by the university, but it was taken without anyone reporting the incident. They term the Saturday march as an isolated incident driven by few people who don't actually reflect the sentiments of the larger society. At present, a hundred and thousand Indian students are studying under different courses in the USA. Even if one goes by the average course fee paid by these students, it amounts to 518 crores US dollars. Although, the recent media reporting from the US term it as another example which exposes the deeply seeded divide which has always existed in America. One has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities. × Around similar times, Trump administration releases hard-line immigration principles, threatening the deal on 'dreamers'. Many would like to draw parallel lines from both the incidents, yet one has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities, at least for now. Many unite the right protesters wore white nationalist and Nazi paraphernalia, a militia arrived armed with heavy weaponry and some individuals wore Ku Klux Klan imagery. Former KKK leader David Duke attended. The gathering is a reminder of an undercurrent which supposedly got Trump to be the president, the anti-semitic, anti-immigration, and racist slogans reflects not the hatred but maybe the insecurity of the whites which is seeded as KKK is a group founded in 1921: its members put on hoods and burned crosses at midnight at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s sprawling plantation and the site of his grave. So is this the other side of the pole, when we talk of Muslim radicalisation. Finally, what can summarise the uprising sentiments better, than George Orwell from Animal Farm? All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

One people one nation, end immigration

Thousands of jobless Indians, Filipinos and Pakistanis are stranded and destitute in Saudi Arabia after the plunge in oil prices sparked construction layoffs, activists and officials said on Tuesday. 
 
Some Filipinos are forced to beg or sift through garbage to survive after going unpaid for months, said Garry Martinez, chairman of the Migrante group which works for the millions of Filipino overseas workers worldwide. 
 
&quot;Some of them have nothing to eat and have to go through the garbage for food,&quot; said Martinez. 
 
India said on Monday it was negotiating with Saudi authorities to repatriate thousands of its own nationals after they lost their jobs, leaving them with no money to return home. 
 
Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj told parliament in New Delhi she was sending a junior minister to Riyadh after reports that around 10,000 Indian workers had been left to starve. Indians are among millions of poor Asians working in the Gulf states, where human rights groups say many suffer exploitation and abuses including non-payment of wages. 
 
In Manila, Migrante coordinator Gilbert Saludo, who returned from Saudi Arabia last month after two years working there said as many as 20,000 Filipinos could be affected. Saludo said that while Manila had extended financial aid to them so far, it was not clear how long this could last. The labour problem appeared likely to worsen, he added. &quot;It will get much worse because so much of the income of Saudi Arabia comes from oil... so their budget for infrastructure and other projects will not be met and more people will be affected,&quot; Saludo told AFP. 
 
The Philippine Labour Department said Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello had visited Saudi Arabia last month to address the problem but would not elaborate. 
 
Pakistan said 8,520 of its nationals in Saudi Arabia had not been receiving their salaries for several months. A foreign ministry statement said that &quot;most of the workers want to leave these companies but only after settling their dues&quot;. The Pakistan embassy had set up special centres and a fund to provide aid, food, medicine and shelter. &quot;The (Pakistani) embassy has further informed that Saudi King has issued a decree for urgent payment of dues to workers by the concerned,&quot; the office of the prime minister said. 
 
&quot;We stand by our hardworking workers who are away from their homeland to earn a living for their families. They are our strength and pride. We will help them out in all possible ways,&quot; Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in a statement. 
 
The Indian consulate in Jeddah has been providing free food for its nationals since their plight came to light last week but repatriation has been complicated by restrictive labour regulations. Swaraj cited a Saudi requirement that workers provide a no-objection certificate from their employers before they can leave the country. 
 
In Manila, the Migrante officials also said Filipinos could not leave because they lacked proper permits or were still awaiting months of back pay. 
 
(AFP)

Indians are among millions of poor Asians working in the Gulf states, where human rights groups say many suffer exploitation and abuse

Thousands of jobless Indians, Filipinos and Pakistanis are stranded and destitute in Saudi Arabia after the plunge in oil prices sparked construction layoffs, activists and officials said on Tuesday. Some Filipinos are forced to beg or sift through garbage to survive after going unpaid for months, said Garry Martinez, chairman of the Migrante group which works for the millions of Filipino overseas workers worldwide. "Some of them have nothing to eat and have to go through the garbage for food," said Martinez. India said on Monday it was negotiating with Saudi authorities to repatriate thousands of its own nationals after they lost their jobs, leaving them with no money to return home. Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj told parliament in New Delhi she was sending a junior minister to Riyadh after reports that around 10,000 Indian workers had been left to starve. Indians are among millions of poor Asians working in the Gulf states, where human rights groups say many suffer exploitation and abuses including non-payment of wages. In Manila, Migrante coordinator Gilbert Saludo, who returned from Saudi Arabia last month after two years working there said as many as 20,000 Filipinos could be affected. Saludo said that while Manila had extended financial aid to them so far, it was not clear how long this could last. The labour problem appeared likely to worsen, he added. "It will get much worse because so much of the income of Saudi Arabia comes from oil... so their budget for infrastructure and other projects will not be met and more people will be affected," Saludo told AFP. The Philippine Labour Department said Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello had visited Saudi Arabia last month to address the problem but would not elaborate. Pakistan said 8,520 of its nationals in Saudi Arabia had not been receiving their salaries for several months. A foreign ministry statement said that "most of the workers want to leave these companies but only after settling their dues". The Pakistan embassy had set up special centres and a fund to provide aid, food, medicine and shelter. "The (Pakistani) embassy has further informed that Saudi King has issued a decree for urgent payment of dues to workers by the concerned," the office of the prime minister said. "We stand by our hardworking workers who are away from their homeland to earn a living for their families. They are our strength and pride. We will help them out in all possible ways," Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in a statement. The Indian consulate in Jeddah has been providing free food for its nationals since their plight came to light last week but repatriation has been complicated by restrictive labour regulations. Swaraj cited a Saudi requirement that workers provide a no-objection certificate from their employers before they can leave the country. In Manila, the Migrante officials also said Filipinos could not leave because they lacked proper permits or were still awaiting months of back pay. (AFP)

Thousands of jobless Asians including Indians stranded in Saudi

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj rushed to the rescue of 10,000 unemployed Indians who were stranded in Saudi Arabia without food at a camp. She ensured that the&nbsp;Indian Embassy in Jeddah supplied them immediately with food on Saturday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The number of Indian workers facing food crisis in Saudi Arabia is over Ten Thousand. It is not 800 as is being reported. <a href="https://twitter.com/JagranNews">@JagranNews</a>
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/759424598114873344">July 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj reacted to a tweet by an Indian national who brought the plight of his fellow citizens to the notice of the Indian government.&nbsp; 
She assured that no Indian worker rendered jobless in Saudi Arabia will go without food. She also said that she was personally monitoring the situation on an hourly basis. 
 
&quot;Large number of Indians have lost their jobs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The employers have not paid wages closed down their factories&quot;, Swaraj tweeted 
 
&quot;While situation in Kuwait is manageable, matters are much worse in Saudi Arabia&quot;, she said. 
 
A man named Imran Khokhar had tweeted that 800 Indians were starving for past three days in Jeddah.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj">@SushmaSwaraj</a> after your quick reaction some camps got foods today <a href="https://t.co/BXpwLDCrEx">pic.twitter.com/BXpwLDCrEx</a>
&mdash; Imran Khokhar (@Imran_khokhar84) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imran_khokhar84/status/759382994876502016">July 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Thousands of Indians have lost their jobs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The factory workers have not been paid wages by their employers and factories were also shut down.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There is nothing mightier than the collective will of Indian nation.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/759427375809503232">July 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script>Swaraj also appealed to the three million Indians living in Saudi Arabia to help their &quot;fellow brothers and sisters&quot;. 
 
(WION)

Swaraj's response came after an Indian, Imran Khokhar, had tweeted that 800 unemployed nationals were starving in Saudi Arabia

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj rushed to the rescue of 10,000 unemployed Indians who were stranded in Saudi Arabia without food at a camp. She ensured that the Indian Embassy in Jeddah supplied them immediately with food on Saturday. The number of Indian workers facing food crisis in Saudi Arabia is over Ten Thousand. It is not 800 as is being reported. @JagranNews — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016 Swaraj reacted to a tweet by an Indian national who brought the plight of his fellow citizens to the notice of the Indian government. She assured that no Indian worker rendered jobless in Saudi Arabia will go without food. She also said that she was personally monitoring the situation on an hourly basis. "Large number of Indians have lost their jobs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The employers have not paid wages closed down their factories", Swaraj tweeted "While situation in Kuwait is manageable, matters are much worse in Saudi Arabia", she said. A man named Imran Khokhar had tweeted that 800 Indians were starving for past three days in Jeddah. @SushmaSwaraj after your quick reaction some camps got foods today pic.twitter.com/BXpwLDCrEx — Imran Khokhar (@Imran_khokhar84) July 30, 2016 Thousands of Indians have lost their jobs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The factory workers have not been paid wages by their employers and factories were also shut down. There is nothing mightier than the collective will of Indian nation. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016 Swaraj also appealed to the three million Indians living in Saudi Arabia to help their "fellow brothers and sisters". (WION)

Indian foreign minister reaches out to help 10,000 stranded in Jeddah

Two Indian nationals, who were kidnapped by suspected terrorists from an area called Boko near Makurdi in Benue State of Nigeria on June 29, were released today morning, said government sources. 
 
Mangapudi Srinivas, who hails from Visakhapatnam, and his colleague Kaushal Anish Sharma were released at 10.30 in the morning and had spoken to their families. 
 
Anish Sharma&#39;s wife thanked Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for ensuring their safe release. She also thanked the ministry and the mission for keeping the family informed of developments almost on daily basis. 
 
Sharma and Srinivas were reportedly travelling to Dangote Cement Plant in a car from their residential quarters at around 7.20 pm on June 29 when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. 
 
(ANI)

Anish Sharma, Mangapudi Srinivas were travelling to Dangote Cement Plant in a car when a group of armed men kidnapped them

Two Indian nationals, who were kidnapped by suspected terrorists from an area called Boko near Makurdi in Benue State of Nigeria on June 29, were released today morning, said government sources. Mangapudi Srinivas, who hails from Visakhapatnam, and his colleague Kaushal Anish Sharma were released at 10.30 in the morning and had spoken to their families. Anish Sharma's wife thanked Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for ensuring their safe release. She also thanked the ministry and the mission for keeping the family informed of developments almost on daily basis. Sharma and Srinivas were reportedly travelling to Dangote Cement Plant in a car from their residential quarters at around 7.20 pm on June 29 when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. (ANI)

Two Indians kidnapped in Nigeria released after fortnight

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