NRI Top Stories ( Page 14 of 30 )

Indian-American boy may change the world with his new invention February 06, 2017 09:53

Chaitanya Karamchedu an Indian-American boy from Portland, Oregon found a cheap and easy way to convert clean water from salt water. Karamchedu is studying in Jesuit High School/Portland State University, he used a desalination technique based on hydrogel and used saponified starch grafted polyacrylamide’s hydrophilic properties to harvest fresh water. The following process does not require thermal or electrical energy filtered water has comparable conductivity of 306.32 µS/cm which is comparable to the conductivity of distilled water at 200 µS/cm. The revolutionary process has negligible pre-treatment and post-treatment cost makes it available on a small scale, especially for the area which is prone to a lack of fresh water. While testing it was found that the water had a total dissolved solids concentration of 513 mg/L which is within the standards of World Health Organisation (WHO) at less than 600 mg/L, compared to 35,000 mg/L for sea water. According to the details obtained from analysis the water contained 25.8 mg/L of sodium and 36 mg/L of chloride. The relevant EPA secondary concentration levels (aesthetic standards) for sodium is 20 mg/L and for chloride is 250 mg/L. The process yielded over 70% of fresh water and also produced a commercially useful fertilizer, CaSO4, as a byproduct. The sea water contains 19,000 mg/L chloride and 10,500 mg/L sodium Karamchedu stated that one in every eight people does not have access to clean water, it is an issue which is very important to be addressed. He said the best access to water was from the sea, the planet is covered with 70 percent of the ocean, scientist have looked at desalination, but it is too much costly to be implemented on a large scale and was also not accessible to all the places. Karamchedu’s biology teacher Dr. Lara Shamieh said People are concentrated on that 10 percent of water, which is bonded with salt and no one looks at the 90 percent that is free. Karamchedu just looked at the problem and said why to focus on the 10 percent if only 10 percent is bonded and 90 percent is free, let's ignore it and focus on 90. Karamchedu work does not end with cleaning salt water, he also has interests in other fields too such as in curing cancer. Karamchedu is currently working with his teachers on the same subject. Suppermassive black hole 660 million times larger than Sun AMandeep

Indian-origin charged for impersonating US tax official February 02, 2017 09:44

An Indian-origin and another person were charged for allegedly impersonating US tax officials and falsely representing victims from the department to send payments to their bank accounts and debit cards. Abhijeetsinh Jadeja 29 years of Miami, Florida and Rachel Jean Roragen a 41 years old of Miami Beach were charged for 12 count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity on 27th January, Wifredo A Ferrer a Southern Florida federal prosecutor said on Tuesday (31st Jan). To allegations contained in the indictment, between the year January 2014 and March 2016, Jadeja and Roragen's co-conspirators impersonated officials from the IRS in the United States and other agencies. During the telephone calls Jadeja and Roragen falsely represented to individual victims that they owed money to the IRS or fees on loans or grants. To satisfy their alleged debts, victims were fraudulently induced to send payments to bank accounts and debit cards that were under the control of Jadeja, Roragen and their conspirators. Assistant US Attorney Daya Nathan is prosecuting the case. Indian-origin woman 6th victim to die in Australia car rampage AMandeep

Indian-origin woman humiliated at Frankfurt airport February 01, 2017 10:30

An Indian-origin woman from Singapore was asked detained in ‘Frankfurt airport’ and was humiliated by the German police, when she was asked to squeeze her breast to prove that she was lactating. Gayathiri Bose a 33 year old is a manager at a transport company, she is the mother of two children, the eldest being 3 years old and the younger one a 7 months old infant, Gayathiri has filed a complaint alleging that she was asked to squeeze her breast to prove that she was lactating. She told to press that she was “humiliated” and "very traumatised" by the experience and she would take legal action. She said that police officers at the airport felt suspicious because she was carrying a breast pump but travelling without her baby. German police declined to comment on the allegations, but they said that such measures were clearly not part of the routine procedure. Gayathri was travelling alone and she was on her way to board a flight to Paris, when she was stopped at the security screening station. Her carry-on bag contained her breast pump, which went through the X-ray machine and she was taken aside for questioning. Gayathiri said the officers had an incredulous tone 'You are breastfeeding? Then where is your baby? Your baby is in Singapore?'," she said about the 45-minute episode. They kept her passport aside and was taken to a room by a female police officer for further questioning. Inside the room Gayathiri was asked to open her blouse and show her breast. Bose said she complied and squeezed her breast. "I was just in shock; I was going through the motions. I was all by myself as well, and wasn't sure what would happen to me if they decided to make trouble for me." Later, when she came out, Gayathiri felt terribly upset and started to cry after slowly understanding, what just happened. She said officials then tested and cleared the pump before returning her passport, and she was allowed to board her plane to Paris. Spokesperson for the German federal police at Frankfurt airport Christian Altenhofen said that they could not comment on the incident for reasons of data protection He also added “if a suspected explosive is detected the baggage and the person must be searched. The measures described for a breastfeeding mother are clearly not included. Aviation expert Ellis Taylor from aviation publication Flightglobal said, asking a mother to show she was lactating was "pretty ridiculous". Kal Penn raised funds after mocked on social media AMandeep

Indian-origin teacher suspended for shooting water at Trump’s Image January 31, 2017 13:06

An Indian-origin, school teacher has been suspended after a controversial classroom stunt video which went viral on social media, that shows her shooting water from a squirt gun at an image of President Donald Trump and yelling "die". Payal Modi is an art teacher at Adamson High School in Dallas, Texas; she was caught shooting a squirt gun as a video of President Trump at his Inauguration ceremony projected onto a whiteboard. In an eight second video which was posted on an Instagram account on 20th January, the day of Donald Trump’s Presidential Inauguration, showed Payal holding a squirt gun. Pointing it at an image of Trump projected onto a whiteboard, and yelling "Die!" as she shoots the gun. The video has been watched by thousands of people since it was posted online, that prompted an investigation from the officials at the Dallas Independent School District. The Spokesperson of Dallas Independent School District Robyn Harris was quoted by the Dallas Morning news as saying that Modi was placed on leave. However, Harris said DISD would not comment as the investigation was still going on. The statement said “DISD was made aware of a social media posting being circulated involving a teacher at W H Adamson High School, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave and the district has opened an investigation. This is a personnel matter and, as such, we cannot comment." However, that has not stopped parents from voicing their concerns. A Facebook user said “Five of her grandchildren go to Dallas ISD schools, do they have a venue where the concerned voices are heard.” Few students admitted that the teacher’s actions were inappropriate, but the majority believes that she was just making a joke. Leslie Jaimes a junior of Adamson High School said she was in Payal’s second period class, when she pulled out a squirt gun. “When Trump came out she shot at him, but like it was just a water gun,” Jaimes said. “It is not a big deal.” Trump fires Sally Yates for defying him on travel ban AMandeep

Indian-origin faces fraud charges in Singapore January 28, 2017 17:24

A Singapore based Indian-origin has been charged with multiple counts for helping others to fraudulently obtain cash payouts and bonuses amounting to $760,000. S Chandran a 35 year old was charged yesterday (27th January) with 58 counts of helping 49 claimants to fraudulently get state-funded Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) cash payouts and bonuses amounting to 1.1 million Singapore dollars ($760,000). A new agency reported the case as one of the biggest case of its kinds involving an alleged PIC promoter in the country. Chandran is the owner of firm Paradize Consultancy and was offered bail for 200,000 Singaporean dollars. Chandran will return to court on February 3rd. Chandran was the winner of “International Magicians Society’s Merlin Award” in the year 2014; he acted as a PIC broker and received about 400,000 dollars from the payout. He also holds a doctorate in the magic studies from the United States, the report said. The alleged offenses occurred between June 2013 and November 2014. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has conducted extensive investigations into a number of suspicious PIC claims. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore investigated the case and found many of the suspicious claims were linked somehow to Chandran. Around 200 people were called up to help in the investigations. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore scheme offers tax deductions or cash payouts to all the companies that invest in fields such as staff training, information technology or automation equipment to boost their productivity. If convicted, Chandran will face a mandatory penalty of four times the amount of cash payout or PIC bonus. He could also face a fine of up to 50,000 dollars or a jail term of up to five years per charge. Singapore man fined for abusing pet dog AMandeep

Indian-origin Lawmakers slammed Trump’s immigration policy January 27, 2017 10:26

Indian-origin lawmakers have slammed President Trump for signing executive orders to reshape the country’s immigration policies and described the move as “anti-immigration” that will “tear apart” families. Senator Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin to be elected to the upper chamber of the United States congress said, President Trump has escalated his anti-immigrants stand with a series of executive orders that will “tear families apart,” and the policy will also weaken the public safety and national security. "Creating a deportation force to target immigrant families who are contributing to our society is not a show of strength. Asking taxpayers to pay for an unrealistic border wall is not a solution. And telling cities to deny public safety, education, and health services to kids and families is irresponsible and cruel," said Harris. She also said that the United States was “less safe” now because of the anti-immigration policies followed by the president. Immigrant people will report few crimes, families will be in fear and our communities and local economies will suffer. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal who is also the representative of Indian-American Seattle has slammed President Trump for moving forward with his "divisive agenda" that will do nothing to solve the real immigration issues. Donald Trump’s Immigration policies Jayapal said “President Trump has doubled down his agenda that pits mother against mother, neighbor against neighbor, tearing apart the fabric of our communities”. "We must take on enacting comprehensive and humane reform of our broken immigration system - to support the country’s economy, communities and families - but President Trump offers zero leadership in this area," she said. Jayapal said that "Instead of building a wall, they should address the underlying systemic issues that drive immigration and fix the country’s outdated immigration system. Instead of banning refugees and people based on their religion, they should welcome them with open arms." Senator Chuck Schumer and Democratic Whip Congressman Steny H Hoyer joined the lawmakers in opposing Trump's immigration policies. Senator Chuck Schumer said that “Donald Trump’s plans are totally based on alternative facts and will do nothing to keep people safe or fix the immigration system in a humane, pragmatic and effective way.” India true friend, Donald Trump AMandeep

Tamil-Americans protest against ban on Jallikattu January 24, 2017 11:30

Hundreds of Tamil-Americans had held a rally at the Gandhi statue in Washington D.C in the support of their cultural festival, demanding to lift the ban on the bull taming sport. Where as in Norfolk, Virginia outside the headquarters of PETA dozens of people held protest. In the rally a large number of children and women holding posters raised their slogans in support of Jallikattu and vented out their anger again the animal rights group “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which is leading the support to ban the popular culture by stating it is a torture to the animal. Babu Vinayagam one of the anti-PETA protestors at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue outside the Indian Embassy in Washington said, that they love their animals and knows how to treat them. He also said the rally was to show their solidarity with their people how are back home fighting against ban on Jalikattu. Most of the slogans were written in Tamil, but at times the crowd shouted “Down, Down PETA,” venting their anger towards the animal rights group. The crowd also shouted “We want Jallikatu.” Vinod Kumar, an IT professional from Tamil Nadu, said, adding, expatriate Tamilians want a permanent solution and an ordinance route to lift the ban on Jallikattu. He also said that they want a legislative measure, so that this old tradition could be continued forever. The rally was one of the largest protest and demonstration in front of the Indian Embassy in recent years. Nalini Britto spoke on behalf of the Greater Washington Tamil Diaspora, which had organized the anti-PETA, pro-Jallikattu rally in Washington, she said that they may be away from home, but their home is always with them, she said they are Tamil people and are proud of their heritage; it was their pride which was being taken away from them. Jallikettu Tamilians pride activists envy Meanwhile a local news channel in Virginia reported a protest outside the PETA headquarters in Norfolk. The news channel reported that dozens of people travelled to Hampton Roads from all across the world to protest outside the PETA headquarters. Protesters stood outside of the headquarters in Norfolk and told to local news that they were protesting the organizations influence on the court decisions. Karthik Rangarajan one of the protest organizers said "What PETA has done is that there is a prevention of cruelty act in India, which was backdoor amended, through the lobbying that PETA did." In a recently released statement, PETA alleged that these protesters are anxious to overturn the court decision and they want to preserve a culture as heinous “as fox hunting was in the UK” and “Bull fighting is in Spain” Trump Administration pace to restrict H-1B Visa AMandeep

Indian Origin Convicted for Harassing US Officials January 23, 2017 12:16

A 56 years old Indian-American man made over three thousand harassing interstate phone calls to United State officials and some with death threats, has been convicted by a federal court in California. Kulwant Singh Sandhu was found guilty by Eastern California Federal Prosecutor Phillip A Talbert on 20th January (Friday) of two counts of making harassing phone calls. Assistant Federal Prosecutors ‘Nirav Desai and James Conolly’. Prosecuted the case before Judge Garland E Burrell. According to the prosecution Kulwant Singh Sandhu started making, harassing phone calls to the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington D.C. and to private individuals in 2012. In 2015 alone Sandhu made more than three thousand calls and left 350 voice mails. The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the stock markets and the securities industry. The prosecutor's office said “Sandhu’s voicemails were profanity-filled with obscene language that repeatedly called for the Securities and Exchange Commission personnel and others, to be among other things, rounded up, publicly hanged, water-boarded, burned alive, shot, and blown up with rockets and tanks. "His comments were mostly sexually graphic and he always targeted individuals”. Sandhu is to be sentenced in April this year and can face a maximum of two years in prison along with a fine of $250,000 for the two charges, he was convicted for. Trump’s Administration Pace to restrict H-1B Visa AMandeep

Indian Origin Body Found In Suitcase January 20, 2017 13:32

A 46 year old Indian origin woman’s body was found inside a suitcase, which was dumped in an alleyway by a man believed to be her ex-husband. Kiran Daudia was a resident of Leicester whose body was found by a member of the public in a walkway off Cromer Street in Leicester on 17th January. Kiran was the mother of two children and she was working at UK’s popular retail call center ‘Next’. According to the police Ashwin Daudia a 50 year old of Lyme Roadm Leicester was charged with the murder of Kiran Daudia and will appear at Leicester Magistrates Court on 26th of January. The man who was arrested, is believed to be Kiran's ex-husband. Leicestershire Police had said in a statement that a 50 year old man was arrested and charged with murder, he has been remanded into custody and will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Cromer Street and a nearby property on Mayfield Road remained cordoned off on Wednesday while police examined the scene. Police has asked the local people to contact force if they have seen anyone pulling suitcase in the area of Lyme Street and the alleyway Cromer Street in the late afternoon or early evening on 16th January. Kiran’s family said in a statement that, Kiran was a loved mother, daughter, sister and aunt, she will be missed by all of them. And they also requested for their identities not be revealed. Kiran’s former workplace also expressed shock at her death. A spokesperson for Next said that, “Company was shocked to learn of the tragic death of its colleague Mrs Kiran Daudia in such horrific circumstances. She was a long-standing, highly respected and much loved, she had worked at Next for 17 years and our thoughts are with her family, friends and co-workers at this saddest of times. Kiran will be sorely missed. India told UK no role for third party on Kashmir AMandeep

NRI Donates $25,000 to Shiridi Sai Baba January 11, 2017 18:31

The executive officer of the trust ‘Bajirao Shinde’ at Shiri Sai Baba temple said that an NRI based in the United States of America has donated $ 25,000 to the Shri Sai baba Sansthan Trust (SSST) for its Anna Daan scheme. Seeta Hariharan stays in the USA, she made the donation when she visited Shiridi temple, last week along with her family. Which is one of the most famous shrines in the country. Shinde also said, that Hariharan has paid the amount through three post-dated cheques, which will be utilized for serving free meals in coming months of April, July and September. Based in North Carolina, Seeta Hariharan said that she was fortunate enough to do her bit for the Saibaba trust and devotees. "Everything is his (Saibaba), I do not consider anything as mine, so I do not think this is a donation. Whatever I have is because of Baba. It gives me the greatest joy to come to Shirdi whenever Baba gives me the opportunity," she said. Barack Obama chose four Indian Americans AMandeep

Indian origin Shopkeeper Hailed as “Brave” January 03, 2017 10:55

An Indian origin shopkeeper is being hailed as "brave" after he wrestled a knife-wielding thief to the ground in northern England. Sandeep Yadala a 30 year old man from Indian was injured after he grappled a robber to the ground in the second attack on his shop in Timperley, Greater Manchester, has seen in a matter of months. During the incident that occurred last week, Yadala suffered slashes of wounds on his right hand as he caught the intruder, disarmed him and pinned him down to the ground until the police arrived, the Sun reported. The local police arrived within three minutes to the incident location and they arrested a 15 year old intruder and praised Yadala as "brave". The intruder is alleged to have asked for cigarettes, but when Yadala asked for an ID proof to check the age of the suspect, suspect threatened Yadala with a knife. The suspect has now been released on bail. Yadala previously tackled a group of four masked burglar’s, when they got into his shop in February last year. According to a footage recorded on CCTV camera, Yadala was seen struggling to fight with one of the four as they stole cigarettes worth 3,000 pounds. Sandeep Yadala, came to the England to pursue a post graduate degree and he manages the store part time. Indian Origin British received a Knighthood AMandeep

Indian origin British Professor received Knighthood January 02, 2017 19:15

An Indian-origin British professor of chemistry and DNA expert at Cambridge University, had received a Knighthood along with the Olympic super stars Andy Murray and Mo Farah among others by Queen Elizabeth II. Shankar Balasubramanian a 50 year old, Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Cambridge University, had been recognised for his work as a co-inventor of Next Generation DNA sequencing, which is described as the most advance method in biology and medicine for decades. Parents Grapple with Schools in Dubai "Solexa sequencing, allows one individual genome to be sequence in mostly two days at a cost of less than one thousand pounds; before, sequencing a human genome took years of hard work and costed billions of pounds. Balasubramanian’s work had spawned an entirely new discipline of Bioinformatics." "Most recently, he had made a major contribution into understanding the character of DNA-quadruplexes in cancer and invented a method for the sequencing of epigenetic modifications," his citation reads. Andy Murray, Farah and British track and field athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill are among the others who were honoured Knighthood in the 2017 New Year Honours list, which also includes big names in the world of Entertainment, including actor Mark Rylance and Patricia Routledge. Rio 2016 men's tennis champion Andy Murray and double gold-winning athlete Farah receive Knighthoods, while heptathlete Ennis-Hill becomes a Dame. Neena Gill, Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands for parliamentary and political service, Ravindra Pragji Govindia of Wandsworth Borough Council for services to local government and the community in Wandsworth, London and Anita Thapar from the Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences at Cardiff University for services to child and adolescent psychiatry are also included in the list. - AMandeep