India to Reopen Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After Five-Year Hiatus
India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens
India is set to restart the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals starting July 24, marking the end of a five-year suspension. This decision follows a recent meeting where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the improving relations between India and China with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The suspension of tourist visas was initially implemented in February 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period, China also halted visas for Indian citizens and other foreigners, but these restrictions were lifted in 2022 for students and business travelers.
Tensions along the border escalated in June 2020, following a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. Since then, both nations have engaged in multiple military and diplomatic discussions to address the ongoing border issues.
Fake Embassy Uncovered in Ghaziabad
In a surprising development, the Uttar Pradesh Police have discovered a fraudulent 'embassy' operating in Ghaziabad, leading to the arrest of a man who claimed to be the ambassador of a fictitious nation named West Arctica. The accused, Harsh Vardhan Jain, also asserted to represent other imaginary countries such as Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia.
According to Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Yash, Jain was running this bogus operation from a rented property and was seen using vehicles with counterfeit diplomatic license plates. Investigations revealed that Jain exploited this setup to present himself as a significant global figure, allegedly facilitating job placements in foreign countries under false pretenses.
Delhi High Court Grants Bail to NewsClick Founder
The Delhi High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, in two cases related to alleged violations of foreign funding regulations. One case was initiated by the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police, while the other was filed by the Enforcement Directorate.
Purkayastha had previously received interim protection from arrest in June 2021, which has been extended multiple times. The Delhi Police's case against NewsClick was based on accusations of breaching Foreign Direct Investment norms, leading to an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
In a separate incident, Purkayastha was arrested in October 2023 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, but the Supreme Court later deemed this arrest invalid, ordering his release in May 2024.
Tributes Paid to Renowned Theatre Artist Ratan Thiyam
Ratan Thiyam, a celebrated theatre personality from Manipur and recipient of the Padma Shri award, has passed away at the age of 77 in Imphal. He was renowned for his innovative plays that fused traditional Manipuri art with contemporary themes.
Thiyam founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal and served as the director of the National School of Drama from 1987 to 1988. He also held the position of vice-chairperson at the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The Manipur government has honored Thiyam's legacy, recognizing him as a 'towering figure in Indian theatre and a cultural icon' of the state.
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