NRI News ( Page 3 of 23 )

Visa Plans For Three Million Hong Kong Citizens- Confirmation From UK PM Boris Johnson June 04, 2020 10:34

UK Prime Minister reiterates the visa plans for 3 million Hong Kong citizens. This is only if China presses go forward with the new law which threatens to strip the former British colony of its traditional freedom. There are already 3,50,000 Hongkongers who hold British National passports. To this there is an additional citizenship of 2.5 million would be eligible to apply. Currently, British National Overseas passports are allowed with visa free access with a limitation of six months only. Boris Jonshon said "If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules and allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship” "This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history. If it proves necessary, the British government will take this step and take it willingly”. The visa issuing offer for Hongkongers was announced on Tuesday by UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in the House of Common. There Johnson focused that he is hoping things don't have to come to create an “inflaming” situation in Hong Kong with new law. Over the planned new law, China is now facing criticism from various nations. For the new law many in Hong Kong would fear to live without freedom and they wouldn't also enjoy other parts of China. Hong Kong emerged with China in 1997 as part of an agreement signed back then and it is the basic law. China’s latest moves are in violation of the agreement in view of the UK. The National People’s Congress in China, undertook a proposal a month ago for a national security law in Hong Kong. China's Foreign Minister, State Councillor Wang Yi, subsequently made clear that the legislation will seek to ban "treason, secession, sedition and subversion" and it is expected to be published in full shortly. The UK PM pointed when he spoke, "If China proceeds, this would be in direct conflict with its obligations under the joint declaration, a legally binding treaty registered with the United Nations. Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong" The foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian repeated China’s stance- the agreement with the UK is known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration and it is essentially null and void. Ramya C

Goa To Be Included In Vande Bharat Mission On Request Of NRI Commission May 11, 2020 10:14

Around 4500 Goans from 65 countries are waiting to return to Goa with the fear of the coronavirus pandemic. The people have registered to travel from abroad to their hometown as well. The NRI Commision of Goa urged the Central Government to add Goa to the list of Vande Bharat Mission. Vande Bharat Mission brings back the stranded Indians from abroad in various parts around the world. The Goans have registered on the NRI Commission Portal to return to their hometown. Coming across registration in huge numbers, Commissioner for NRI Affairs of Goa Narendra Sawaikar has made a request to add Goa in the Vande Bharat Mission. He said "I urge upon the Central Ministry to let Goa international airport at Dabolim be opened for flight movement in order to get back stranded Goans via direct special flights," Sawaikar said. Swaikar made an attempt to arrange the special flight to bring back the stranded Goans in the first phase of Vande Bharat Mission which started on May 7. But the efforts didn't work during the first phase. Hence, it is to bring back the Goans in the coming phase of the repatriation mission. According to the official report, around 100 Goans are stuck in UAE and they are waiting to come back. They are struggling to stay as they lost their jobs. Speaking on this, Commissioner Sawaikar said that- they shared the details to the Central Government for evacuation who registered on the portal to fly from abroad. He assured to help the stranded and said "If there is any issue, let them bring to our notice”. - Ramya

Indian Students Stuck In UK Write Their Plea To S Jaishankar March 24, 2020 14:33

62 students from various UK Universities have written to the Union External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar to help them come back to India amidst the Covid-19 crisis. Majority of the students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have also written the respective Chief Ministers of the states, K Chandrasekhar Rao and YS Jaganmohan Reddy to help them in this time of crisis. In the plea, the students mentioned that they are currently at the UK airports and at HCL London. The virus is spreading the UK pretty fast but the NHS has confirmed saying that they won’t be providing with treatment facilities to individuals under the age of 65. They mentioned that they didn’t feel safe being there. The students also mentioned saying that things could turn for the worse in the upcoming days which is why they need immediate action to be taken against the situation to further better it. They also stated that the students are willing to undergo the isolation process that is being followed in India and would readily cooperate with the officials in the country. They urged the government officials to understand their distress suggesting that they don’t feel safe in the country and didn’t want to die here. The students hail from some of the most notable Universities in the UK. By Somapika Dutta

Indian Community in Seattle counters the Local Politicians on anti-CAA Resolutions February 12, 2020 11:40

A section of the American polity which had been led by Pramila Jayapal and Kshama Sawant has been encountered by the Indian community that is present in Seattle. The Indian community has watered down a resolution in the Seattle city council against the Citizenship Amendment Act, earlier this month.While a resolution has been passed by the council that urges the Parliament of India to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and to stop the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Indian community leaders has intervened and watered down the resolution, as learnt by Economic Times.The brain behind the resolution is said to be that of Kshama Sawant who serves on the Seattle City Council and also a member of Socialist Alternative. It has been said that Sawant was the first socialist in order to win the citywide election in Seattle since Anna Louise Strong had been elected to the school board in the year 1916.The Seattle City Council is said to be the legislative body of the Seattle city in Washington. The council is said to be comprising of nine members and would be serving four- year terms out of which seven would be elected by the electoral districts and the remaining two would be elected in the citywide at- large positions where as all the elections are said to be non- partisan.Atul Tankha who is a former development professional from Seattle and also who has been one among the the Indian- Americans who have garnered support against Jayapal and Sawant has said that the community members did not belong to any political group and were spontaneous in the moves that they have made.By Shrithika Kushangi

Rallies in support of CAA, NRC by Indian-Americans in US December 26, 2019 09:41

Dispelling the misinformation and myths surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a large number of Indian-Americans have come out in order to support the law.According to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the non-Muslim communities i.e., Hindus, Sikhs, Buddists, Jains, Parsis, Christians who have come from the three neighbouring nations Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh on or before December 31, 2014 and who are following religious persecutions will be getting Indian citizenship.Protests are being held across India from the day CAA was introduced in the Parliament earlier this month.The organizers said that these rallies are aimed at eliminating the misinformation and myths about the law as well as to counter the propaganda of hate, lies and the absurdities. A pro-CAA rally has been held by Indian-Americans in Seattle at Victor Steinbrueck Park in December, in Austin near Capitol Building on December 22 and in Houston on December 20 in front of the Indian Consulate.“We held this rally to counter the fear-mongering of Islamic and leftist organizations about the CAA and the NRC and their bizarre statements that the NRC in combination with the CAA is designed to expel Muslims from India,” said one of the organizers from rally that was held at Dublin Ohio, Vineet Goel.The rally that was held in Raleigh in North Carolina was joined by more than 70 eminent doctors and community leaders. They said that, the reason was to support Narendra Modi. The enactment of the CAA was welcomed by Ashok K Karmakar, chairman of Bangladesh Hindu Buddist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC).Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) are being held across various parts of India. Peaceful protests were held in several areas which included Jantar Mantar, Jamia Milia Islamia Nizammudin, Alaknanda and Connaught Place.By Shrithika Kushangi

Indian-American Appointed 1st Woman Chief Technology Officer at FCC December 23, 2019 06:09

Dr Monisha Ghosh, an Indian-American has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer at the Federal Communications Commission which is the most powerful in US government. She replaced Dr Eric Burger.Ghosh will be advising the Indian-American Chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai and she will be working closely with the Office of Engineering and Technology as she takes charge on January 13 the next year.The interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all the fifty states included in the District of Columbia and US territories will be regulated by FCC.FCC is an independent agency of the US government that has been overseen by Congress. It is a federal agency which takes the responsibility of implementation and enforcement of America’s communications law and regulations.“As the FCC moves aggressively to advance American leadership in 5G, Dr Ghosh’s deep technical knowledge of wireless technologies will be invaluable,” says Chairman Pai.He added saying that, Dr Ghosh has been a part of both conducting as well as overseen research into the cutting-edge wireless issues in academia and industry and that her expertise ranges from internet of things, medical telemetry, and broadcast standards. Chairman Pai said that, Gosh would lead a path inspiring the young women in considering careers in STEM fields.“Dr Ghosh has both conducted and overseen research into cutting-edge wireless issues in academia and industry. Her expertise is also broad, ranging from the internet of things, medical telemetry, and broadcast standards. And it bears noticing that this is a historic appointment: I am proud that Dr Ghosh will be the FCC’s first female CTO, and hope her example inspires young women everywhere to consider careers in STEM fields. I’m grateful to her for serving in this important position at this important time,” he said.Ghosh is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and has done her B.tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in 1986. She received her Ph.D in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1991.Ghosh conducts research on wireless technologies for internet of things, 5G cellular, next generation Wi-Fi systems and spectrum coexistence as a research professor at the University of Chicago."Dr Ghosh has done outstanding work during her time at the National Science Foundation (NSF). "As a program director within our Division of Computer and Network Systems, she has contributed to programs supporting advanced wireless research including innovative uses for spectrum and wireless spectrum sharing. We congratulate Dr Ghosh on her appointment as Federal Communications Commission's Chief Technology Officer; we know the Nation will benefit from her technical expertise in wireless networks," says NSF's acting Assistant Director for Computer Information Science and Engineering, Erwin Gianchandani.Erwin Gianchandani says that Dr Ghosh being a program director has given her contribution in supporting advanced wireless research that includes innovative uses for spectrum and wireless spectrum sharing.By Shrithika Kushangi

Former Indian shuttler crowned Mrs India USA Oregon 2019 December 07, 2019 10:43

Being a PhD holder and former Indian No. 3 in badminton, Kadambari Chheda-Donvalkar crowned as the new ‘Mrs India USA Oregon 2019’ in Seattle (Washington) was a pleasant surprise. She is an epitome of a versatile personality with a perfect blend of outstanding sportsperson with charming beauty. She made her country proud as she won the pageant which was organised by Ravishing Women Organization.Kadambari had won several state level and national level titles as a teenager. She also represented India in 2008 at the Indonesian Open with Saina as her teammate. She has also been a part of the Indian University badminton team during her graduation, which participated in the 2010 World University Championships in Chinese Taipei.In 2008, Kadambari was ranked as No. 3 in India in the U-19 girls singles and No. 1 in U-19 girls with Sanyogita Ghorpade as her partner.The 29-year-old Kadambari has excelled striking a balance between sports and academics as she is PhD in economics and used to work as a senior research officer with United Nations (India office).Kadambari being a badminton player, promoted sports as she performed at the pageant organised by Ravishing Women which is an organisation that works with the vision to inspire, encourage and empower women.Kadambari was born and brought up in Mumbai and is now based in Orgeon(USA) after her marriage.She is currently the state women’s badminton champion at Oregon USA state and also a coach at the Oregon Badminton Academy in Portland (USA).By Shrithika Kushangi

Indian Origin Scientists, Technocrats to Work for Country’s Growth September 23, 2019 08:52

Indian origin scientists and technocrats residing in foreign countries will come together on Global Indian Scientists and Technocrats (GIST) Forum, created by Vijnana Bharati, a common platform to share their ideas for inclusive development of India.GIST forum has recently constituted GIST-USA chapter to link the scientists and technocrats of Indian origin working in the United States. The forum will provide a chance to the scientists and technocrats to come together and hold discussions on multiple issues such as the impact of global warming on whole world and India and what will be a possible solution to the problems on way to inclusive development of India.Speaking on the sidelines of the event, ‘A dialogue between Vedic and the modern sciences’ at IIT-BHU, national organizing secretary, Vijnana Bharati, Jayat Sahasrabuddhe said that GIST forum’s USA chapter has been set up recently to connect Indian origin United States-based scientists and technocrats to make them share their ideas on various topics, including swadeshi sciences - Astronomy, Astrology And Ayurveda - at the GIST forum. They would also suggest possible and feasible solutions to the problems like growing air pollution and water pollution among others, he said.Saying that GIST forum will be set up in different countries across the globe, he said it will also help nurture Swadeshi sciences like Ayurveda, Astrology and Khagol Shashtra among many.Sahasrabuddhe said many Indian origin scientists were working in the area of Swadeshi sciences but they work at different locations on an individual basis and different places. During discussions at the forum, they get to know about works of one another. He added that this GIST forum is an effort under which they are trying to utilize the experience of the scientists and technocrats for the growth and development of the country with a focus on nurturing the Swadeshi sciences. He said that dialogue between Vedic and modern science is a must in order that both may benefit and enrich one another.He said that Vijnana Bharati has plans to organize such sessions in other universities and institutions also and it already organized several such workshops where a number of noted scientists and technocrats participated together.By Sowmya Sangam

Indian American Couple’s $200mn Plan to Transform Healthcare in India September 17, 2019 05:09

An Indian American doctor couple, Kiran Patel and Pallavi Patel, has teamed up with the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) to advance healthcare in Florida and internationally to underserved communities in India and Africa with an initial investment of $200 million. Zambia-born India-educated cardiologist Kiran Patel and his India-born pediatrician wife Pallavi Patel have already acquired 50 hectares of land near Bharuch, Gujarat, the western region of India, to set up the medical college effectively. The Patels are planning to visit India in October to discuss their project with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is said to transform healthcare in India with technological advancements and efficiently trained doctors. (Image source from: New Indian Express)In the meantime, the NSU on Saturday opened a brand new campus in Clearwater, near Tampa. Eventually, the couple is working towards setting up three medical colleges in rural areas, wherein students will be trained and two of these medical colleges are said to offer Indian degrees with one offering a United States degree. Read: Why Indians with Foreign MBBS Fail to Get Licensed in Home Country Kiran Patel said that approvals were being sought for the use of acquired agricultural land for non-agricultural grounds followed by a necessary approval from the Medical Council of India to set up a college. Asked if recent changes in the law to improve access to quality and affordable medical education in India would be helpful to his plans, he said that "only time will tell". My hope is the new organization will be expeditious in their decisions and would not put unnecessary roadblocks in the path. Lectures will be directed from Tampa to classes at the planned college in India with live interaction with professors, he added. (Image source from: The Universal News Network)Later, American professors would be positioned in India and Indian professors brought will be brought to the U.S. to sort of train the trainers to academically produce students of the same caliber as those graduating in the U.S.Subsequently, the college will be accredited with American bodies to start residency in India. Indian students coming to the U.S. will be aware of how a world-class institution works and Indian doctors will get an insight into modern healthcare.Noting that students, residents, and post-graduates will start providing services when the college opens, Kiran Patel said the move would solve the crisis of paucity of healthcare in India. Once the India project gets going, Kiran Patel plans to extend his operations in Africa and achieve his desire to start with Zambia, the land of his birth, he said.Currently, there are two Nova institutions in the U.S. named after the Patels producing 625 graduates whereas India providing another 300. According to Kiran Patel, the ultimate goal of the Indian American doctor duo is to produce doctors all around the world to come forward and help people in a potentially 'borderless' world.By Sowmya Sangam

Trump Nominates Indian American Anuraag Singhal as Florida Judge September 10, 2019 04:38

President Donald Trump on Monday nominated an Indian American Anuraag Singhal as a federal judge in Florida to replace James I. Cohn. Singhal, who is currently on the 17th Circuit Court in Florida, is among the 17 judiciary nomination sent by the White House to the Senate. He is the first Indian American to be nominated for this position in Florida. The senate judiciary committee is scheduled to announce the name for the United States district judge for the southern district of Florida on Wednesday. Singhal’s parents, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, migrated to the U.S. in 1960. His father was a research scientist with Exxon. Read: American Airlines Names Priya Aiyar as Senior Vice PresidentAccording to a media report, Singhal is most famous for representing the notorious Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer who murdered seven men in Florida. Although Singhal did not represent the serial killer at the time of the trial, he represented her in a lawsuit when she accused prison guards of "harassing her to death"."Aileen was difficult to represent because she had volunteered for the death penalty. She wanted to go," Singhal had told India-West in 2012 after he was appointed to the circuit court."I tried to talk her out of it. I tried to get her re-evaluated. I wanted to keep her from getting executed," Singhal told the newspaper. Then-Governor Rick Scott appointed Singhal to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court in 2011, where he currently serves.By Sowmya Sangam

Indian American Family Dies in Florida Car Crash September 05, 2019 05:07

An Indian American family of three lost their lives in a dreadful accident on the Sawgrass Expressway in Florida while on their way to the Fort Lauderdale airport after spending the long holiday weekend. The residents of Coral Springs - Boby Mathew (47), his wife Dolly Mathew (41) and their son, Steve Manoj (16) - crashed into a retention pond near the northbound entrance ramp toward Florida’s Turnpike. Following the crash, the car, a Honda Accord, drowned in water and the rescuers retrieved three family members trapped inside the submerged car out the vehicle. According to the rescue team, the car lost its balance immediately after it exited the ramp and fell into the pond. Hailing from Ernakulam district in Kerala, Boby is an IT professional in Dallas. The couple’s elder son, Austin, was not with them at the time of the accident. By Sowmya Sangam

Dinesh Chawla, Trump’s Former Partner, Held for Theft at Airport August 27, 2019 05:45

An Indian origin hotel owner who earlier partnered with President Donald Trump’s family on four hotels has been arrested for stealing luggage at Memphis International Airport, Tennessee, last weekend. According to police, Dinesh Chawla, the Chief Executive Officer of Chawla Hotels, was seen taking luggage from the baggage claim in the airport, put it in his car and went back inside the airport to catch a flight. The airport authorities upon searching the car found the suitcase and another piece of luggage that had been taken from the airport last month, The New York Times reported.Chawla, who was arrested when he returned to Memphis, admitted to stealing the two bags and their $4,000 valued contents, according to a police affidavit.He also admitted to stealing luggage "over a long period of time" for the thrill and excitement though he knew it was wrong, the report said but it provided no details of other thefts.Chawla brothers operate a chain of hotels and motels in the Delta and are currently constructing a luxury hotel in Cleveland, an undertaking that until February was a joint venture with the Trump Organization. (Image source from: CBS News)The contacts between the Trump family and the Chawlas dates back to 1988 when Chawla brothers’ father V K Chawla reached out to Donald Trump Sr for help starting a motel in Greenwood. Trump called the Suresh Chawla, the brother of Dinesh Chawla, and suggested that he apply for a minority Small Business Administration loan, which he did successfully.By Sowmya Sangam

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