Additional Tickets Released For Cricket’s T20 World Cup, But Not India-Pakistan In New York

Additional Tickets Released For Cricket’s T20 World Cup, But Not India-Pakistan In New York

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Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the T20 World Cup, set to take place in the U.S. and Caribbean in June. Additional tickets have been released for the tournament, but the most highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in New York is already sold out.

The match between the two cricketing powerhouses has been oversubscribed more than 200 times the allocation, according to the International Cricket Council. This has made it the hottest ticket of the tournament, with no more tickets available for purchase. Only four out of the 55 matches in the tournament do not have public tickets available, including the tournament opener between the U.S. and Canada in Dallas, India and Canada on June 15 in Lauderhill, Florida, and the final in Barbados.

For the matches with tickets still available, prices start at $6 for games in the Caribbean and $35 in the U.S. Demand is expected to be fierce for the new tickets released for matches involving India, who are based in the U.S. during the group stage. The modular 34,000-seat Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park, 30 miles east of Manhattan, is currently under construction in preparation for the tournament.

While the India-Pakistan match is already sold out, tickets are still available for other matches, including Netherlands-Nepal, U.S.-Pakistan, and Sri Lanka-Bangladesh in Dallas, as well as Pakistan-Ireland in Lauderhill. The T20 World Cup is expected to stir interest in cricket in the U.S., where the sport is currently irrelevant among locals. The tournament is also hoped to build on the momentum from Major League Cricket, which surpassed financial expectations in its debut season last year.

The ICC has also announced that the T20 World Cup will have reserve days scheduled for the semi-finals and final, with specific rules in place for the group stage, Super Eight phase, and knockout matches.

As cricket finally realizes its long-held dream of tackling the coveted American market, all eyes will be on the T20 World Cup, with the India-Pakistan match expected to be the biggest draw of the tournament.

Telangana Student’s Fatal Jet Ski Accident in Florida, US

Telangana Student’s Fatal Jet Ski Accident in Florida, US

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Venkataramana Pittala, a 27-year-old master’s student in health informatics at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis(IUPUI) and hailing from Kazipet, Telangana, tragically lost his life in a jet ski mishap at the Fury playground near Wisteria Island in Florida on March 9. The collision between two jet skis resulted in his untimely death, while a 14-year-old boy escaped without injuries.

Pittala, who was set to graduate in May 2024, had pursued his bachelors in physiotherapy from NTR University of Health Sciences before moving to the US for further studies. His friends have started a GoFundMe page seeking donations to support his family during this difficult time. The page aims to raise funds to send his body to his family for his final rites and other expenses and burdens.

The mishap has left the Indian community in Telangana and the US in shock and mourning. Pittala’s friends and well-wishers are urging for support and contributions to help his family during this challenging period.

The incident has shed light on the importance of safety measures and regulations for water sports and recreational activities, especially for international students studying abroad. The tragic loss of Pittala has sparked conversations about the need for stricter safety guidelines and awareness for such activities to prevent similar mishaps in the future.

Venkataramana Pittala’s untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community. His promising future and academic pursuits have been cut short, leaving behind a legacy of potential and ambition.

The Indian student’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety precautions, especially in high-risk activities. As the community mourns the loss of a bright young individual, efforts are being made to support his family and honor his memory.

The news of Pittala’s passing has sent shockwaves through both the Indian and international student communities, prompting discussions about safety and the need for support during times of tragedy. As the investigation into the mishap continues, the community stands in solidarity with Pittala’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Vivek Saini, an Indian student, tragically lost his life in Georgia, USA

Vivek Saini, an Indian student, tragically lost his life in Georgia, USA

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Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Indian student, was brutally killed in Georgia by a homeless man whom he had been helping for several days.

The tragic death of Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Indian student, has left the Indian community in the United States and back home in India in shock and mourning. Saini, who had moved to the US to pursue his studies and find better opportunities to support his family, was brutally killed in Georgia by a homeless man whom he had been helping for several days.

The incident took place on 16 January when Saini asked the homeless man, Juan Faulkner, to leave the convenience store where he worked. Faulkner, in a cold-blooded attack, hit Saini with a hammer nearly 50 times, causing severe head trauma and ultimately leading to his death.

Saini’s cousin, Simran, described him as a brilliant student who was working part-time at the Chevron Food Mart in Georgia while pursuing his Master’s degree in Business Administration at Alabama University. He was supposed to return to India to meet his family before the horrific incident took place.

The Consulate General of India in Atlanta expressed deep anguish over the brutal and heinous murder of Saini and condemned the attack in the strongest terms. The consulate provided all consular assistance in sending Saini’s mortal remains back to India and remains in touch with the family.

This tragic incident is not an isolated one. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in crimes against Indian students in the US. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported a rise in hate crimes motivated by bias toward race, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, religion, disability, gender, and gender identity.

The Indian community in the US and around the world is calling for justice for Vivek Saini and other Indian students who have fallen victim to such senseless acts of violence. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta has assured that they are closely monitoring the investigation and are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The tragic death of Vivek Saini serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and action to protect the safety and well-being of Indian students studying abroad. It is a call for unity and solidarity in condemning such acts of violence and working towards creating a safer environment for all students, regardless of their nationality.

The Surge Continues: Record Number of Indian Students Opt for the US, Reveals Open Doors 2023 Report

The Surge Continues: Record Number of Indian Students Opt for the US, Reveals Open Doors 2023 Report

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The Open Doors 2023 report has revealed a significant increase in the number of Indian students choosing to stay back in the US on OPT (optional practical training) after completing their academic studies. According to the report, India has become the second leading country for students studying in the US, with the number of Indian students reaching an all-time high of 268,923 in 2022-23, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.

The report, released by the US department of state’s bureau of educational and cultural affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE), also highlighted the robust growth in the number of Indian graduate students, which saw a 63% increase. Additionally, there was a 16% increase in the number of Indian undergraduate students choosing to study in the US.

The surge in the number of Indian students in the US was largely driven by the growing interest in STEM subjects, particularly maths and computer science. Despite concerns about job losses and lower job opportunities in the US, the report indicated that there has been a steady increase in the number of Indian students opting to stay back in the country on OPT.

Dr. Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation & learning at IIE, emphasized that the data continues to indicate robust growth and interest from Indian students to continue their studies in the US. She also noted that there has been a 17% increase in the overall number of international students on OPT, indicating a strong rebound of international graduates pursuing post-study work opportunities.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that US institutions have reported increases in new Indian student enrolment, with over half of higher education institutions stating that they have more new Indian students this fall than they had a year ago. This trend is expected to continue, with US higher education institutions reporting an 8% increase in international students in Fall 2023, across all academic levels and OPT.

Marianne Craven, acting deputy assistant secretary for academic exchanges, bureau of educational and cultural affairs, US department of state, emphasized the importance of the education relationship between the United States and India, highlighting the significant increase in student visas issued in mission India.

The report also indicated a 14% increase in the number of international students enrolling for the first time at a US college or university during the 2022-2023 academic year, building on the 80% increase in the prior year. This growth was particularly notable in graduate student enrolment, with 467,027 international students pursuing master’s, doctorate, or professional degrees, marking a 21% increase year-over-year.

Overall, the Open Doors 2023 report paints a positive picture of the growing interest and participation of Indian students in the US education system, despite concerns about job losses and lower job opportunities. The report’s findings indicate a strong and enduring relationship between the United States and India in the field of education, with both countries continuing to strengthen ties and promote academic cooperation.

As the number of Indian students in the US continues to soar, it is evident that the US remains a top destination for Indian students seeking higher education and career opportunities. With the ongoing growth and momentum in international student mobility, the future looks promising for Indian students pursuing their academic and professional aspirations in the US.

Founder & chairperson of the Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani speaks on Olympic movement in India at US India Strategic Partnership Forum

Founder & chairperson of the Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani speaks on Olympic movement in India at US India Strategic Partnership Forum

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The founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani opened up on the exchange of sports while attending the Global Leadership Award by the US India Strategic Partnership Forum, in Delhi on Sunday, October 29.

Nita spoke on the historic inclusion of cricket in the Olympics after a long gap of 128 years and mentioned that as India takes cricket to the United States, it might adopt baseball which is arguably the most followed sport in the USA.

“We brought the Olympic movement back to our country after a gap of 40 years…The IOC made cricket an Olympic sport. After 128 years Cricket will make an entry at the Olympics in the US at the LA Games 2028. As we take cricket to the US we might bring baseball to India…The exchange of sports is an exchange of dreams and friendships. It is a story of fortitude and resilience…” said Nita while attending the event in Delhi.

India recently hosted the 141st International Olympics Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai which witnessed the inclusion of cricket in Olympics. Opening up on the same after the official announcement, the founder of the Reliance Foundation said, “As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028!”.

“I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the one hundred and forty-first IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai,” she added.

Squash, Lacrosse, Baseball-softball and Flag football alongside cricket have been added to the Olympics. In addition to cricket, India also has some exceptionally talented players who play squash. From veteran stars like Saurav Ghoshal, and Deepika Pallikal among others to young and emerging Turks like Anahat and Abhay Singh, India has a rich pool of players who can claim glory for the nation moving forward in global events.

Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US

Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US

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Three months after 105 antiquities, which were earlier smuggled, came back to India, the United States is sending another batch of 1,414 objects back to the country, which will include antiquities from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met).

As per the official sources, these objects have already been given to the Consulate General of India in New York. According to the procedure, a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been the custodian of all Indian antiquities, will be sent to the United States to carry out the verification of the objects after which the officials will initiate the repatriation, as reported by The Indian Express.

The objects will also be authenticated by the ASI as “antiquities” or “non-antiquities”. Although the ASI has not revealed any specific details regarding their age or region, the US authorities stated that 1,414 objects from various sources appeared to be of “Indian provenance”.

A senior official stated that the batch includes a few antiquities which will be from Met. In an earlier report, it was revealed that a treasure trove which belonged to the Met could be traced back to antique dealer Subhash Kapoor, who was imprisoned on charges of smuggling antiquities.

Met announces return of 15 sculptures in India
After the revelation, a search warrant was issued by the Supreme Court of the State of New York against the Met on March 22, which gave 10 days to the authorities to seize the antiquities.

On March 30, a statement was issued by the Met in which it claimed that it would “transfer 15 sculptures for return to the Government of India, after having learned that the works were illegally removed from India”.

The government of India in July said that the Met’s objects were likely to reach the country in the next three to six months. On July 17, the Indian Consulate in New York was given 105 antiquities by the US authorities, which will be repatriated to India in August this year. However, the objects of Met were not among them.

ASI officials stated that the new batch of 1,414 objects will most probably have non-antiquities, and they will be accordingly ranked while following the definition of “antiquity”.

In the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, an antiquity has been defined as “any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship; any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave; any article, object or thing illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages; any article, object or thing of historical interest” that “has been in existence for not less than 100 years”.