Category: International

International

Russia Expands Hindi Programs at Universities Amid Growing Student Interest and Strengthening India Ties

Tanisha Cardozo

Russia is taking significant steps to deepen its educational and cultural engagement with India by expanding Hindi language programs across universities nationwide. According to Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky, there has been a sharp rise in the number of Russian students enrolling in Hindi courses — a trend that mirrors India’s growing global influence and population dynamics.

“We want more of our students to study Hindi,” Mogilevsky stated in an interview with TASS. He noted that India, now the world’s most populous country, has a majority of its citizens using Hindi in daily life, often more so than English. “We need to respond to this,” he added.

This strategic educational expansion reflects more than academic interest. It aligns closely with the evolving geopolitical and diplomatic relations between India and Russia. Since 2022, India has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil, maintaining close bilateral ties despite global tensions over the Ukraine conflict. Leaders from both countries continue to emphasize collaboration, especially under multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Universities such as MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), and the Moscow State Linguistic University have seen their Hindi language departments grow substantially, with two to three times more students enrolled in recent years. These trends extend beyond Moscow, reaching institutions in cities like St. Petersburg and Kazan.

Mogilevsky emphasized that young Russians who aspire to engage with India’s culture, politics, and growing economy are increasingly viewing Hindi as a valuable asset. The initiative also signals an effort to foster mutual understanding and closer people-to-people ties through cultural diplomacy.

This emphasis on language as a bridge between nations reflects a broader commitment to long-term cooperation. President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December 2025, further reinforcing bilateral warmth. At the recent SCO summit in Tianjin, Chinese and Russian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin, reaffirmed their dedication to regional peace and prosperity — with language and cultural exchange forming a key part of that vision.

The expansion of Hindi education across Russian universities is a step toward building a generation fluent not only in language but also in cross-cultural understanding. It represents a powerful form of diplomacy — one that educates, connects, and endures beyond headlines.

International

Kate Middleton Surprises Fans with Quick Hair Transformation — From Blonde Back to Brunette in Just Days

allycaralgoa

Royal watchers were left stunned this week as Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, pulled off one of her most striking style transformations in recent years.

On September 4, she debuted her blondest and longest hairstyle ever, a fresh look that quickly became the talk of social media and fashion outlets worldwide. But in a surprising twist, just four days later, at a September 8 appearance, Kate returned to her signature brunette style, leaving fans wondering what prompted the rapid change.

The Princess of Wales has long been admired for her elegant and versatile fashion sense, but this dramatic switch — from golden locks to rich brunette — underscores her ability to continually reinvent her look while maintaining her timeless royal poise.

While the palace has not commented on the transformation, royal style analysts note that Kate often uses her appearance to subtly signal new beginnings or reflect seasonal transitions. Whether the blonde look was a temporary experiment or a stylistic trial, her return to brunette reassures fans of her classic, signature style.

The transformation has sparked lively discussion across social media, with fans praising her adaptability and elegance. For many, it’s yet another reminder of why Kate Middleton remains one of the most closely watched and influential style figures in the world.

International

Nepal Withdraws Social Media Ban After Deadly Youth Protests

allycaralgoa

Kathmandu, Sept 9 — The Nepal government has withdrawn its controversial decision to ban social media platforms after widespread protests by youths turned violent, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 300 injured.

The announcement was made by Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting, following an emergency Cabinet meeting on Monday.

The earlier ban had sparked outrage among the country’s young population, who argued that restricting access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X violated their right to free expression and access to information. What began as peaceful demonstrations soon escalated into violent confrontations with security forces, leading to the tragic loss of life.

“The government has heard the voice of the people,” Minister Gurung said, adding that the withdrawal was aimed at restoring peace and ensuring stability in the country.

Human rights groups and digital rights activists had strongly criticized the ban, warning that it would isolate Nepal from the digital world and stifle democratic freedoms.

The reversal has been welcomed by protesters and civil society organizations, though many stress that accountability must follow for the deaths and injuries caused during the unrest.

The incident highlights the growing tension between governments and citizens in the digital age, where social media is both a tool for mobilization and a space for freedom of expression.

With the ban lifted, focus now shifts to how Nepal’s leadership will balance governance, security concerns, and digital rights in the months ahead.

International

Nepal Bans Facebook, X, YouTube, and 23 Other Social Media Platforms Over Registration Dispute

Tanisha Cardozo

In a controversial and far-reaching decision, the Government of Nepal has ordered the shutdown of 26 major social media platforms — including global giants Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram — citing their failure to comply with mandatory registration requirements. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on September 4, follows a seven-day deadline that expired the previous night.

According to the Ministry, the ban will remain in place until the platforms are formally registered with Nepali authorities. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been instructed to enforce the ban immediately. Officials stated that multiple requests had been made for compliance, with the final deadline passed without any action from the social media companies.

However, this crackdown has sparked widespread backlash both domestically and internationally. Free speech advocates and digital rights organizations have condemned the move, describing it as an attempt to suppress dissent and limit public discourse. Critics argue that the government’s registration demands are excessively intrusive, requiring platforms to submit to tight oversight and control that may violate global standards of digital autonomy and privacy.

Ujjwal Acharya, Director of the Center for Media Research, criticized the decision as deeply misguided, warning that it threatens Nepal’s democratic credentials. He emphasized that social media is no longer just a political tool but an essential part of modern life, used by individuals and businesses alike for communication, commerce, and creativity.

This is not the first time Nepal has moved against social platforms. In 2023, the government temporarily banned TikTok under similar circumstances. That ban was reversed in August 2024, only after TikTok agreed to register in Nepal. Since assuming power over a year ago, the K.P. Sharma Oli government has faced repeated allegations of authoritarian tendencies and increasing hostility toward online dissent.

Earlier this year, the government attempted to introduce sweeping legislation aimed at regulating all online activity under the pretext of protecting users. That effort was met with significant resistance from civil society and media watchdogs. The current ban appears to be an extension of that same regulatory vision, now enforced with greater authority after a Supreme Court ruling two weeks ago upheld the necessity of mandatory registration for all online platforms operating in Nepal.

The sudden blackout of widely used platforms has sent shockwaves through Nepal’s digital population. Many users posted what they feared could be their last messages before the sites went dark, while others decried the government for undermining basic freedoms.

As the country navigates the fallout of this decision, concerns are growing about the long-term implications for online expression, entrepreneurship, and Nepal’s global reputation as a democratic nation. Whether the banned platforms will eventually comply or push back against the government’s demands remains to be seen — but for now, Nepal’s digital landscape has changed dramatically, and not for the better.

International

Zomato Raises Platform Fee by 20% to ₹12 Per Order

allycaralgoa

New Delhi | 3rd September 2025

India’s leading food delivery platform, Zomato, has announced a hike in its platform fee, raising it from ₹10 to ₹12 per order. The increase, representing a 20% jump, is effective immediately and applies to all food delivery transactions across the country.

📌 Why the Hike?
Industry experts believe the move is aimed at:

  • Covering rising operational and delivery costs.
  • Improving unit economics and profitability.
  • Offsetting investments in technology, delivery partner incentives, and customer support.

📊 Impact on Customers
The fee hike, while small per order, could add up significantly for frequent users. For instance, a customer ordering food 20 times a month will now pay ₹40 more in fees compared to before.

🍴 Zomato’s Market Position
With over 50 million monthly active users, Zomato remains one of India’s most popular food delivery apps, competing closely with Swiggy. Both companies have gradually increased delivery charges and platform fees in recent years to strengthen financial sustainability.

💬 Public Response
While some users argue the hike is reasonable considering inflation and rising logistics costs, others have voiced concerns on social media about the growing cost of convenience in online food delivery.

📖 Conclusion
The latest platform fee hike signals Zomato’s continued efforts to balance customer affordability with operational profitability. It remains to be seen whether Swiggy will follow suit or adopt a different strategy to attract cost-conscious customers.

👉 Stay tuned to allycaral.com for more updates on India’s digital economy and consumer trends.