Scotland join Finland in launching scheme to offer everyone a basic monthly income

Scotland join Finland in launching scheme to offer everyone a basic monthly income regardless of employment status or salary

Scotland is poised to join Finland and Canada in testing Universal Basic Income (UBI), a welfare system in which all citizens are given a fixed sum of money, regardless of their income or employment status. Any money earned from salaries or businesses is then taxed progressively. 

Proponents of UBI say that it could empower people by offering them the flexibility to earn, learn, start a family or a business, safe in the knowledge that they will have enough money to get by. It is seen as a means to reduce welfare dependency and income inequality.

Critics believe UBI is nothing more than a socialist utopian ideal or “fairytale”. They say that it would be unaffordable, leading to tax hikes and discouraging business investment whilst causing a drop in productivity. They also argue that, given everyone would receive the benefit, it would do nothing to combat inequality.

As Fife and Glasgow look into establishing trial schemes for 2017, Finland is already one step ahead. Though some smaller, successful trials have gone on at local level since the 1970s from India to the United States, Finland will be the first to conduct a UBI experiment on such a scale. The two-year pilot scheme will provide 2,000 – 25 to 58 year-old, unemployed Finnish citizens with a monthly basic income of 560 euros replacing their other benefits. They will continue to receive the UBI even if they find work.

For Kela, the organisation running Finland’s social security and managing the pilot scheme, the hope is to see an increase in employment and a reduction in the current costly bureaucratic mechanisms which can, reportedly, discourage some people from finding employment.

Scotland has seen a huge increase in health inequality, poverty and the use of food banks in recent years. In Glasgow where one-third of all children are living in poverty, the idea is being warmly welcomed by the public and supported by both the SNP and Labour.

The Guardian quoted radical Economist and UBI champion Guy Standing on the subject. It said: “The sense of insecurity, the stagnating living standards, all of those things are clear in Scotland and the fact that so many within the SNP are supportive means there’s a real opportunity to do a pilot in Scotland… People relate to the idea that everyone should have a social dividend. Everywhere I go, it’s the communities that feel left behind by globalisation that are most interested [in the idea of a basic income]. We have seen a sea-change in attitudes.”

UBI is still a pipe dream for most, even Finland is only at the very beginning of a long and time-consuming study but if the results are promising, this could mark a new era in the relationship between the individual and the state.

Tips for choosing an internship abroad

Have you decided to do an internship abroad?

Is it a mandatory part of your programme or you need to gain international experience?

1.     Need to look for a company/Industry  that can allocate an experienced manager/staff as your mentor. It is very important to have a knowledgeable colleague willing to guide and inspire you. This colleague needs to have time to sit down with you in order to give you a good overview of the company’s operations and a clear explanation of your everyday tasks, as well as, check on you, help you out and contribute towards your growth in gaining Experience.

2.     Choose a company that can offer you the transition opportunity into a full-time position. Don’t be afraid to ask when applying. Depending on your performance the possibility of  turning from a Interns to a full-time experience and valuable colleague exists and you should use it.

3.     Choose an internship that offers you flexible work hours. The idea of doing an internship abroad is to gain more work experience but you would also like to have some free time to explore the country and to know the culture, travel and make new friends.

4.     Try to find a company or an institution that can offer you Paid Internship. Not all internship positions offer you a salary, but in this case, you should choose a company that offers you some good benefits that would help you in your daily life course.

5.     Look for a company that values its employees and organizes social activities and team bonding events for them. This is a great way to get to know your colleagues at a more personal level and who knows, you can even make new friends! These activities will make you feel as a part of the team and will allow you to work in a more relaxed environment.

6.     Choose a medium size company. Working in a medium size company rather than an international corporate will be less stressful and you will have more personal interaction chances with your new colleagues. Also, try to go for a company with people around your age as it will be easier for you to connect with them and have fun.

7.     Consider the location of the company’s premises. Your working place should be accessible by public transportation.  Don’t go for an internship at a company that is far away from the city center.

8.    Stay in alliance with your values. Do an internship that makes you feel good and it’s not against your life principles.

A last piece of advice, would be to do an internship before you start with your Master’s programme as the internship will offer you the experience you need to make a more mature decision when choosing your Master course. 

Of course, don’t forget that studying or doing an internship abroad is a great chance to indulge into a new culture, learn about the history of the country, taste the local cuisine and improve your foreign language skills, so try to make the most out of it! In case you are considering Italy, I can assure you that you won’t regret it! 

SAPIENZA University Collaborates on First KENYAN Satellite

Kenya is ready to send its first satellite into orbit in collaboration with Sapienza University.

The 1Kuns Satellite, which stands for “First Kenyan University Satellite” will be built by a team of university students from Nairobi University and Sapienza University in Rome with the support of the Italian Space Agency. The CubeSat is a small cubic satellite that should be completed in 2017 and will be used to observe the Earth.

The satellite will be assembled by students of the International Master Course in Space Mission Design and Management organized by the Astronautics, Electrical and Energetics Engineering Department at Sapienza University in collaboration with the University of Nairobi.

Mwanghi Mbuthia, the scientific representative of the Engineering School of Nairobi University visited  Rome on December 6 and illustrate the project and meet with the Project Scientific Manager, Fabrizio Piergentili from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Fabio Santoni, Master Course Director from the Department of Astronautics, Electrical and Energetics Engineering.

The idea developed as part of the Ikuns contract, which was already part of a Sapienza-ASI Agreement for the management and development of research activities at the Sapienza Broglio Space Center managed by ASI in Malindi, Kenya. The project brings together both scientific and technological objectives and promises to have a great educational impact.

The 1Kuns Satellite is an extraordinary goal for a developing country such as Kenya and a unique opportunity for students at the two universities, who will be able to work in a stimulating international environment. The competitive character of the Italo-Kenyan university team and the value of its work has been rewarded when the 1Kuns-KenyaSat Mission was selected by UNOOSA – Spatial Affairs Office of the UN and JAXA – the Japanese Spatial Agency, selected it to be launched into orbit on board of the Japanese KIBO module on the International Space Station.

The official announcement of the first Kenyan CubeSat was held at the “UN-IAF Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits,” organized in September by the United Nations in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Italy Visit Visa For Indians

 Visit VisaAre you willing to Migrate to Italy for this Vacation? You need a temporary visa is otherwise called “Schengen” visa or “C” visa. The Schengen visa is the typical visa that is substantial in the Schengen Area for all the 26 nations, together with Italy. This temporary visa is provided for 90 days inside a 180 day time from the date of earliest section to the Schengen Area. The entry permit is provided for a single section or different passages.The Schengen temporary visa is not restricted with the end goal of tourism as it were. Italy Visit Visa is likewise relevant for family visits, business travel or Medical treatment.

Qualification Criteria for Italy Tourist Visa

·         You should satisfy the accompanying conditions keeping in mind the end goal to meet the qualification criteria for getting Italy visitor visa.
·         You should have a legitimate travel permit with a legitimacy of not less than 3 months past the expiry date of your short stay visa
·         Your identification more likely than not been issued under 10 years back
·         Your identification must contain no less than two clear pages for the visa and the passage and way out stamps of Italy
·         You should have enough money related assets to pay for your costs amid your stay in Italy
·         You should have Overseas therapeutic protection with least scope of Euro 30,000
·         You plan to leave Italy and the Schengen Area when your visa lapses
·         You will need to give full data with respect to your travel schedule, including flight booking, for example, the dates, time of travel and flight numbers. You will likewise be required to say some other nation that you mean to visit amid the trek
·         You plan to visit the Schengen Area only for the reason expressed by you in your visa application
 You should give verification of settlement, for example, affirmed in booking or welcome letter from a supporter in Italy.  Italy tourist visa fees for citizens of India

Type of visa	Validity	Processing	Embassy fee	Service fee	Service Tax	Total cost
Single Entry  (Adults)	up to 3 months	10-15 business days	4340.00	7399.00	1109.85	12848.85
Single Entry  (Child 6-12 yrs)	up to 3 months	10-15 Business Days	2530.00	7399.00	1109.85	11038.85
Multiple Entry  (Adults)	up to 3 months	10-15 Business Days	4340.00	7399.00	1109.85	12848.85
Multiple Entry  (Child 6-12 yrs)	up to 3 months	10-15 Business Days	2530.00	7399.00	1109.85	11038.85

  List of Schengen CountriesAustria,  Belgium,  Czech Republic,  Denmark,  Estonia,  Finland,  France,  Germany,  Greece,  Hungary,  Iceland,  Italy,  Latvia,  Lithuania,  Luxembourg,  Malta,  Netherlands,  Norway,  Poland,  Portugal,  Slovakia,  Slovenia,  Spain,  Sweden,  Switzerland,  Liechtenstein 

Germany Dependent Visa ( German family reunification visa )

If you want to move to Germany to join a family member or spouse, a German family reunification visa will allow you to live and work in Germany.

If you are a citizen from the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA; EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland, you don't need a residence permit to enter and work in Germany – but any family member who is not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland will need to apply for a German residence permit.

As a EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will need a valid passport or ID card, and you have to register with the residents' registration office within three months of entering the country.

Who are qualified for it?

·         Must be an enlisted accomplices

·         Spouses

·         Children

Documents for Dependent Visa:

·         Must have a substantial visa

·         Have to deliver a proof of the visa expense installment

·         Proof of reason for visit must be created

·         Children’s need to deliver birth endorsement

·         Must deliver the verification of the marriage declaration

·         Proof of convenience

·         Proficiency in the German dialect

These are the above qualification criteria and also the prerequisites for the Dependent Visa..

Information on German knowledge requirement - only important for family reunion

Since Germany has amended its law relating to foreigners in 2007, visa applicants are required to present evidence of basic knowledge of the German language in the event of family reunion of spouses. However, under certain circumstances, there are exemptions from this requirement, such as for spouses of EU passport holders, of Blue Card holders and of other highly skilled workers, scientists etc.

Spouses

If you're joining your spouse (married or civil partner), you must both be over 18 years old and you must have basic German language skills – unless, that is, your spouse fits one or more of the following categories:

·         has an EU Blue Card,

·         is in Germany as a researcher,

·         is a highly qualified person, or

·         is self-employed.

If so, there's no age requirement nor do you need to speak any German.

If your relative was granted their residence permit as a student, employee or a self-employed person while you were married (or civil partnered), then as long as you fulfill the other requirements and plan to stay in Germany for more than one year, you can get a residence permit. If you got married after your spouse was awarded a residence permit, you have to wait until your spouse has had the permit for two years before you can apply.

Children

Children under 16 can join their parents without fulfilling any conditions but if the child is between 16 and 18 years old, and not married/divorced/widowed, he/she will need to be either fluent in German or be able to integrate easily into German society (as judged by the German embassy/consulate processing the application) in order to get a residence permit for family reunification.

If the parent holds a Blue Card, a settlement permit or a residence permit for humanitarian purposes, then the latter requirements do not apply.

When you arrive in Germany

You will need to register every family member with the residence registration office and the Aliens Authority. When you go, you'll need to take along your passports and other documents relating to your own situation, for example, birth certificates, a marriage certificate or civil partnership documentation, salary slips, tax certificates and tenancy agreements.

Partners and relatives – who can work?

You can work in Germany if the relative you are joining holds a residence permit authorizing employment themselves, an EU Blue Card, or is in Germany as a researcher or a highly skilled person.

2016 Italy’s Tourism – The Economy’s Most Beneficial Growth Factor

The Italian Tourism industry has grown into the most important growth factor for the country’s economy in 2016. This trend is likely to be steady over the next two years as well. Italy’s GDP is expected to rise by 0.9% this year and tourism by 1.5%. The tourism turnover makes up 171 billion euros, which accounts for 11.8% of the nation’s GDP. This sector alone employs around 3.1 million people, that’s 12.8% of the workforce in Italy.

The positive trend in Italy has not slowed down despite an impaired environment or global competition of increasing supply on an international scale. Arrivals have increased by an approximate 3% in 2016 and are predicted to progress at this rate next year and in 2018 as well.

These statistics were declared in Rome at a conference regarding resources and strategies of Italy’s tourism. The average duration of stay, 3.5 days and the average per day expenditure of 108 euros have increased as well.

At the conference, the tourism industry also presented the strategy for 2017-2022. In lieu of expanding digitalization (duty-free shopping will be digitized from January 1st, 2017 at Italian airports) and infrastructure improvement, the tourism industry’s focal point will be on sharing economy. Currently, it accounts for 15% from the tourism sector.

Nonetheless, this year was not entirely positive for Italy’s tourism. The Vatican’s promoted “Jubilee Year” was no doubt a religious success, but was not an economic one by any means. As per many travel companies, pilgrims could be concerned about likely terrorist attacks throughout the tours.

Rome’s hotel association reported a meagre 1.2% rise in arrivals. The city with the highest increase in tourists (over 4.5%),Milan, not only benefited from the exhibition convened last year…but also benefitted from the expanding trade, business and shopping tourism. Tourism in winter, amid others, is also increasing this year.

U.K. May Improve Visa System for Indians

NEW DELHI—British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday said the U.K. may make improvements to its visa system for Indians, as she sought to lay the foundations for a future trade deal once Britain leaves the European Union.

On a two-day trip to India focused on trade, Mrs. May, speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the partnership between the U.K. and India was natural, since the countries have shared values and culture. But a key sticking point in U.K.-India relations has been Britain’s reluctance to loosen restrictions for Indians wanting to work or study in the U.K., and this will likely be a difficult point to settle in any free-trade negotiations.

“The U.K. will consider further improvements to our visa offer if at the same time we can step up the speed and volume of returns of Indians with no right to remain in the U.K.,” she said.

Mrs. May is unlikely to implement any changes that would result in big increases of Indians entering the U.K. She has said the June vote to leave the EU was underpinned by frustrations about rising levels of immigration and has pledged to reduce numbers.

The U.K. is seeking to go beyond its traditional trading partners in Europe as it prepares to leave the European Union. While it can’t finalize trade deals while still a member of the EU, Britain is in preliminary discussions on trade with countries including Australia and India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Any deal is likely to take years to complete.

Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2016/11/07/theresa-may-says-u-k-may-improve-visa-system-for-indians/?mod=e2fb