Bhai I've told this to doc, Sharma and Krishna and Bagheera that this NW Indian/ J&K crowd are the most despicable amongst all of India. They are animals.......
The white on burgundy balloon for alerts is super and readable on the phone compared to the totally illegible black on blue one before.
But the font size of the new psts table is way too big and barely 4-5 new posts are visible. Requiring a lot of scrolling down.
Is it possible for me to sit with you with some paye and nalli nihari one day and sort out all your forum adjustment issues once and for all and then lock it and either I swallow the key or we throw it away?
Come with curiosity and patience… Delhi will reward you with unforgettable memories’: Austrian Ambassador
Story by Nirbhay Thakur
• 7h•
5 min read
‘Come with curiosity and patience… Delhi will reward you with unforgettable memories’: Austrian Ambassador
“I’ve been posted in Delhi for nearly four years, and it has been a fantastic experience” — that’s how Katharina Wieser, Austria’s Ambassador to India, summed up her experience of living in Delhi. She enjoys a stroll through Lodhi Gardens and says the cultural depth and variety of the city are among the things that have stood out during her stay.
Wieser has served as Austria’s envoy to India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka since July 2021. A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, she has held key leadership roles in the Austrian Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Austrian Federal President.
A passionate advocate for female diplomacy and inclusive leadership, Ambassador Wieser champions multilateralism, gender equity, and constructive global dialogue in her efforts to strengthen Austria’s partnerships worldwide.
She holds a degree in South Asian Studies (Indology) from the University of Vienna and a post-graduate diploma in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University’s Bologna Centre.
Wieser speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with diplomats about Delhi — their home.
One place I visit often is Lodhi Gardens — it’s an oasis amid the bustle. I love the symbiosis of historic architecture and luscious greenery, how you can feel the city breathing there, despite the overwhelming traffic just outside.
Three things that stood out in Delhi during your stay?
First, the cultural depth and variety — it’s rare to find such an enjoyable mix of cultures, of old and new. I celebrate every corner of history that I can explore on my weekend outings. Second, the openness, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the people: wherever one goes, one can always strike up a light-hearted and fun conversation. Third, I’d say the contrasts — the beauty of historic monuments sitting right next to daily urban chaos and poverty. It’s fascinating, though at times it can feel overwhelming for newcomers.
Does pollution in Delhi bother you? How do you and your family deal with it?
Pollution, particularly in winter, is a concern — as it is for many residents. We use air purifiers, avoid outdoor activities during high-pollution days, and try to stay informed. We are very privileged and have the capacity and opportunity to protect ourselves, but many people do not... this issue is surely one of the big challenges of the immediate future. It’s a long-term challenge, and tackling it will require both policy and public commitment — not just in Delhi, but across the region.
Is there anything you would suggest that Delhi’s administrators work on to make this city a better place?
Well, yes... while the city has made great strides in areas like Metro connectivity and digitisation, more sustained efforts are needed in waste management, improving air quality, and urban planning. Addressing the burning question of waste and traffic management would make an important contribution to reducing air pollution, and would make visiting Delhi more attractive to tourists as well.
How is Delhi different from other major capitals or cities you have served in?
What makes Delhi truly unique is the pace and intensity of engagement, and the sheer dimension of both challenges and opportunities. Delhi alone is two to three times the size of Austria in terms of inhabitants, so one has to keep putting everything into perspective. For Austria, this setting has provided fertile ground for strengthening our bilateral ties with India. Over the past few years, we've seen meaningful growth across sectors — be it green technology, higher education, innovation, or cultural exchanges.
Favourite food in the city?
Ah, the food! It’s a culinary journey in itself. I’ve developed a special liking for South Indian food and love getting a dosa in one of the many great eateries or restaurants, like Carnatic Cafe or Nathu’s. But honestly, it’s often the home-cooked meals and street food explorations that truly capture the soul of Delhi’s food culture.
Any memories or meetings from the city that you think will stay with you always?
One memory I’ll definitely cherish is celebrating Diwali with ‘my’ Austrian Embassy team, thanks to our wonderful Indian colleagues who organise a traditional celebration with diyas, sweets, (loud) music, and lots of laughter and dancing every year!
And as one example of the many cultural events organised by the Cultural Forum of the Austrian Embassy, I will always remember the screening of the movie, Mehrunisa, which tells a beautiful story about an 80-year old actress — played by the iconic Farrukh Jaffar — standing up for herself and against patriarchal reflexes in the Indian film industry.
It is a movie by an Austrian director (Sandeep Kumar) with Indian roots, shot entirely on location in Hindi in India, and produced in Austria. The screening at the Austrian residence (on the occasion of International Women’s Day) was a beautiful example of the power of the new and inspiring people-to-people connections coming up between Austria and India!
If you have to introduce Delhi to someone back home, what will you tell them?
I would say Delhi is not only a city — it’s an experience. It’s chaotic and challenging, beautiful and green, exhausting and exhilarating, all at once. I’d tell them if you come here with curiosity and patience, Delhi will reward you with unforgettable memories. But you should also be prepared for some sensory overload and a crash course in urban resilience.
Is there anything that you or your family would miss once you say goodbye?
Without a doubt, we’ll miss the people. Delhiites have a warmth, openness, and generosity that has really touched me. We’ll also miss the festivals, the cultural events, the markets — and perhaps even the unpredictability of life here! I have formed friendships that go beyond diplomacy, and those personal connections are what make a place truly feel like home.
Which five foreign universities have announced campus in India?
The UGC has granted Letters of Intent to top international universities, including University of York and Illinois Institute of Technology, to establish campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The new campuses are expected to begin admissions by December 2026.
By: Education Desk
New Delhi | Updated: June 19, 2025 17:24 IST
3 min read
Five foreign universities announce campus in India, admissions likely by 2026
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formally issued Letters of Intent (LoIs) to leading universities from the UK, USA, Australia, and Italy, allowing them to establish campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai regions.
The handover took place at a ceremony in Mumbai, presided over by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, other deputy chief ministers, Vineet Joshi, currently serving as the acting Chairperson of the UGC, vice-chancellors of the participating universities among others.
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Which five foreign universities will set up campus in India?
The universities receiving the LoIs include the University of York (UK), University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of Aberdeen (UK), Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), and IED Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy). Additionally, the University of Western Australia will also be establishing a second campus in Chennai.
The University of Aberdeen is the first of the UK’s oldest universities and the first Scottish university to be granted permission for a branch campus in India. The proposal will now go to the University’s governing body Court for approval next month.
When are the international campuses expected to start admissions?
The issuance of LoIs marks a significant step toward implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision for the internationalisation of higher education in India. With this, the recipient universities have received the official green-light to proceed with setting up their campuses in the country.
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The Indian Express has learnt that following the handing-over of Letters of Intent (LoIs) by the UGC, the universities now have an 18-month timeline within which they are likely to announce admissions for a fresh cohort. It is expected that the admission cycle for most of these institutions will commence sometime before December 2026.
Earlier, two UK universities, the University of Southampton and the University of Liverpool — had announced their plans to open campuses in India. The University of Southampton will begin its first admission cycle this September at its Gurgaon campus, while the University of Liverpool is expected to start operations by September 2026 in Bengaluru.
Where will the universities be located?
The universities are expected to be set up in Navi Mumbai, as part of a planned International Education City near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The initiative, led by the Government of Maharashtra with support from CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation), aims to create a dedicated 5-km education hub, the first of its kind in India, where students can access world-class international education without leaving the country.
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India is the most exciting place for global higher education’: University of York VC on launching Mumbai campus
The UGC has approved fve foreign universities, including the University of York, to establish campuses in India. Prof. Charlie Jeffery discusses the exciting opportunities for higher education in its Mumbai campus, set to open in 2026.
Written by Deepto Banerjee
New Delhi | Updated: June 17, 2025 19:43 IST
6 min read
Vice Chancellor Prof Charlie Jeffery reciving the Letter of Intent (LoI) from the UGC in Mumbai (Photo: University of York)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently issued letters of intent to five foreign universities, including the University of York, University of Western Australia, and University of Aberdeen, giving them approval to set up independent campuses in India.
Against backdrop of the event, University of York Vice-Chancellor Prof Charlie Jeffery spoke with indianexpress.com about the rationale behind the institution’s India plans, and why Mumbai fits York’s academic strengths, and how its creative industries research and tech-led pedagogy will shape the new campus.
20% of the world’s youth live in India — and York wants to meet them halfway
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“India is probably the most exciting location in the world right now for international higher education,” said Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, outlining the university’s decision to set up its first full-fledged overseas campus in Mumbai.
With 20 percent of the world’s population under 25 living in India (50 percent population is below 25 according to a UNFPA report), and a national education policy that actively invites international universities, he said the country presented a unique blend of opportunity and alignment. “There’s an extraordinary demographic here,” he said, adding that Mumbai’s dynamism, particularly in the biotechnology and creative industries, made it a natural fit for York’s own academic strengths.
From York to Mumbai: 10,000 students, creative tech, and biotech in focus
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Set to open in September 2026, the University of York’s Mumbai campus will begin with 200–300 students, but plans to scale up to 10,000 over the next decade. According to Prof Jeffery, the initial academic offerings will include business, computer science, and creative technologies, with a research-led approach intended to merge academic knowledge with real-world industry applications.
The campus, which will operate independently as University of York in Mumbai, will deliver the same UK-accredited courses and will recruit a mix of faculty from York, India, and international locations. Over time, this model will shift toward greater local recruitment.
“We’re starting small to make sure we set everything up really effectively, but then we’re going to grow rapidly,” said Prof Jeffery.
Why York sees India as an easier bet than other countries
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Prof Jeffery credited India’s National Education Policy (NEP) with creating a transparent regulatory framework that international institutions can work with. “In other countries, regulations can be ambiguous or even hostile. But in India, the UGC has created a clear and predictable pathway. That makes India more welcoming than many other places,” he said.
CoSTAR Live Lab: UK-funded innovation in India’s financial capital
Stepping in midway through the conversation, Gavin Kearney, Co-Director of the CoSTAR Live Lab, explained how York’s pioneering research in creative technologies will be embedded in its Mumbai campus.
“CoSTAR is a UK government-backed initiative — £76 million invested to keep the UK at the cutting edge of creative innovation. The Mumbai campus will serve as a gateway for Indian students to access this innovation,” he said. He emphasised the potential for deep collaboration with Mumbai’s booming film and media industries, stating that students in creative programs will benefit from access to emerging technologies and joint projects that span both countries.
Degrees that are global, placements that are local
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The courses offered at the Mumbai campus will remain academically identical to those at York’s home campus. Under UGC regulations, all academic programmes must be previously accredited in the UK and delivered without compromise.
What will differ, however, is the strong local industry integration from day one. Prof Jeffery noted that Indian students and parents have higher expectations when it comes to placements and employer engagement, something he says York has taken seriously.
“We already have an MoU with the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai and existing relationships with Sun Pharma and Tata,” he said, adding that the university had also committed to setting up a dedicated industry placements framework in Mumbai.
‘Not to divert, but to deliver’—why York doesn’t see this as student migration reversal
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When asked whether this move is a response to tighter immigration rules and a way to retain Indian students within India, Prof Jeffery clarified, “This isn’t about diverting students who might have gone to York in the UK. I think one of the things that we see is the very, very high ambition of the Indian government to enroll more young people in higher education, and we see ourselves meeting that unmet demand.”
He also pointed out the environmental benefits of international universities setting up locally. “Flying to the UK brings an environmental cost. Bringing the university to where students already are makes sense,” he said.
No compromise on academic rigour and quality
The Mumbai campus will uphold the same quality assurance and academic rigor that York is known for globally. Prof Jeffery underscored the institution’s elite status—one of only four UK universities with top-tier ratings in both research and teaching alongside Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
When asked how standards will be maintained, he clarified that a University of York-appointed provost will oversee all academic matters in Mumbai, ensuring standards and recruitment match those back home.
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“The University of York in Mumbai will be just as much York as our original campus,” he said.
What’s next: A Nobel in Mumbai?
Looking ahead, Prof Jeffery said the long-term vision is not just growth in numbers but research output, industry partnerships, and global impact. “It took us 61 years to get our first Nobel Prize back in York. It’s our ambition that it won’t take that long in Mumbai,” he said.
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