UK to Extend Post-Study Work Rights for Foreign Students August 01, 2019 18:01
In the last three years, the number of Indians studying in the United Kingdom has almost doubled with more than 21,000 student visas being issued to Indians till March 2019. According to officials, a white…
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Indian Origin Politician Deepak Raj Gupta Takes Oath as MLA in Australia with Bhagavad Gita in Hand July 30, 2019 17:11
Deepak Raj Gupta, an India-born politician, on Tuesday, took oath as the first Indian Australian member of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly. Born in a middle-class family, Deepak Raj Gupta had to wash cars and work in an eating place in Chandigarh to support his studies.Gupta, the first Australian-Indian origin MLA from the Labour Party in ACT, sworn in as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Gungahlin constituency with a copy of Holy Bhagavad Gita in his hand. He is the first elected member to take an oath with Gita in the ACT Legislative Assembly. He went to Australia to study information technology in 1989 and was granted PR in the year 1991.Deepak Gupta's brother Anil Raj who lives in Chandigarh told India Today TV that the family is thrilled with the honor.He told that Deepak was runner up in the elections held in 2016 for Gungahlin constituency, the fourth town of Canberra. Since the winner who was also from the Labour Party resigned recently, so Deepak was nominated for the Parliament as per norms.As an active leader of the Australian-Indian community, efforts of Deepak Raj were recognized with several awards including the excellence in community service awards. He was also awarded the Community Advocate Award by the Government of ACT in 2012.Speaking to the media about Deepak's struggle, Anil Raj told India Today TV that their family moved to the city in 1973. Deepak studied in Government Senior Secondary School and the Graduated from DAV College. Deepak landed in Australia with just 150 dollars in his pocket. He washed cars, worked in restaurants to sustain his studies.He later worked as an Executive Officer in the Defence Department. He was also the President of Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) for 10 years and was also a member of the AIBC National Executive Board of Directors.By Sowmya Sangam
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Young NRI Entrepreneur Returns to His Native Place with an Intent to Save Water in Gardening July 30, 2019 16:06
After staying in Canada for about a decade, a young Non-Resident Indian (NRI) entrepreneur, Nitin Latit, came back to his native place Karnal in Haryana to lend a hand to farmers. The 35-year-old returned India with a vision to utilize waste material to help farmers generate income, besides saving water used in gardening. He set up a unit to produce flower pots and planters from recycled plastic waste and designed them in such a way that they help in conserving water. Besides, he added a saucer-shaped container below the planters and flowerpots to save water. He is making use of soil-less media comprising vermicompost, coco-husk, rice mill ash, and cow dung in these pots and claims to save around 25 percent water in comparison to normal potted plants.The district authorities as well as Rekha Shukla, joint secretary, Health and Family Welfare Ministry, have praised his initiative. Shukla recently visited the district with regard to the Jal Shakti campaign of the Union Government. Now, the Karnal Municipal Corporation is promoting Nitin’s startup by giving him an assignment for the beautification of the city. The young entrepreneur has started the trial work by installing hanging flowerpots on electricity poles near the NDRI. The demand for such pots is coming from various parts of the state. Currently, he is sending his pots to various states in the northeast where these are widely acceptable for organic horticulture.Nitin, an automobile technician, had worked with General Motors in Canada for around five years and returned to India in 2016. He along with his father JK Lalit, a retired banker, started Alpha Advantech LLP.“I am in a habit of gardening and during my stay in Canada, I became familiar with the practices of people living there to save water used in gardening. When I came to my country, I observed unaccounted wastage of water in gardening. This gave me an idea to save water with specially-designed flowerpots and planters, which take less water for optimum growth of the plant,” Nitin was quoted as saying by The Tribune. About the design, he said as quoted by The Tribune, “We use plastic refuse to make the outer shell of the pots, catch plates and saucers for storing water at our unit. These planters efficiently store run-off water during watering cycles in a concealed reservoir for later use. It also prevents evaporative loss and is also inaccessible to flies and mosquitoes for breeding. It also conserves and replenishes water through its vapor-lock design, which provides air and moisture to roots all around and leads to an expedited growth of plants with least efforts”.He added that farmers could use these technologically-advanced planters to potentially increase their income and produce chemical-free food.By Sowmya Sangam
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Saudi Arabia to Ban Foreigners, Including Indians, from Hospitality Jobs July 30, 2019 13:28
In perhaps a big blow to Indian nationals, Saudi Arabia has announced a new move banning the recruitment of foreign workers for certain hospitality jobs to give priority to its own citizens. Announced in Labor…
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23-Year-Old Indian Origin Woman Stabs Her Father to Death in South Africa July 26, 2019 11:33
A 23-year-old Indian origin woman in South Africa stabbed her father to death on July 13 while trying to intervene in the fight between her estranged parents at the local International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) premises where they were residing.Nekita Sukdeo had graduated with a law degree just two months ago.According to media reports, a close family member said that there had been a history of quarreling between the divorced couple - Jewan and Nadira."During the dispute, Nekita got involved in the fight between her parents. From what we hear, she reached for a kitchen knife and stabbed him," the family member, who requested anonymity, told the Weekly Post.Even though Jewan was taken to a local hospital immediately, he declared dead on arrival from his stab wounds.Nandakumar Das, the President of the ISKCON branch, said the incident was the result of "a domestic dispute".The couple had parted ways five years ago and Nadira, a Hare Krishna devotee, relocated into the ISKCON facility.Four months ago, in an attempt to get back together again, Jeewan moved in with Nadira and their children, the relative said. "It takes a lot of hate, anger, and frustration for someone to grab a knife and stab someone, especially your father," said the relative.Nekita appeared in the Alexandra Regional Court last Monday, two days after the incident. She was released to attend her father's funeral and will appear in court again next month.By Sowmya Sangam
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Indian Man in Singapore Fined for Placing Toy Grenade Outside Presidential Palace July 25, 2019 12:33
On November 3, 2017, a grenade outside Singapore’s Istana, the Presidential Palace in the city center, triggered panic leading to the high deployment of public resources which later found to be a toy one positioned by an Indian origin cleaner. On Wednesday, the 59-year-old Elankovan Marimuthu was fined S$ 4,500 and was reduced the charge from a more serious one. Marimuthu chanced upon the toy grenade while working as a cleaner near the Istana area as usual at about 7 a.m. on November 3, 2017. He positioned it upright to get to know how the general public would react to it. The cleaner used a pair of tongs to put up the toy grenade before leaving the scene, Deputy Public Prosecutor Thiagesh Sukumaran said. (Image source from: Hindustan Times) One of the motorists passing by from there noticed the grenade and called police immediately. In no time, thirty-nine officers were deployed to the site from various units of the Singapore Police Force, plus eight members of the Singapore Armed Forces Chemical, Radiological, Biological, and Explosive Defence Group and other police officers who swept the Istana's nearby areas, including Dhoby Ghaut Mass Rapid Transit (metro rail) station. The grenade was found at Penang Lane, one of the routes to the Central Business District. The route was closed for half an hour and partially cordoned off to traffic for 45 minutes, while police advisories were circulated to advise the public to stay away from the area. Subsequently, several phone calls were made to the police Servicenummer complaining of traffic congestion in the area. Anyhow, at around 5 p.m., it became clear that it was a toy grenade and Penang Lane was subsequently opened again. In the beginning, it was not known who placed the toy, according to the Channel News Asia report. Closed-circuit television footage confirmed that Elankovan had put the toy grenade in an upright manner. He was asked to cooperate in investigations the following morning when he went to Istana Park as part of the duty. He confessed that he had positioned the toy and did so because he wanted to see how the public would respond to it, the report said. Elankovan pleaded guilty to one charge under the Protection from Harassment Act of using intimidating behavior by positioning the toy grenade in an upright position, behavior likely to cause dismay. The prosecution asked for a fine of 4,500 Singapore dollars, saying it was not unreasonable to characterize Elankovan's behavior as "irresponsible" in today's security climate. The area was full of sightseers and it was next to the Istana. On top of that, his act wasted public resources and resulted in inconvenience to the general public. "The public messaging today is that everything suspicious should be reported to the authorities," said the prosecutor, adding that Elankovan had not reported it when he first saw the object. "He turned it into his own little game," said the prosecutor. "He wanted to see how the public would react." “The fine would send a message that such conduct is unacceptable and that it is not a joke nor a game, but has serious consequences,” he said. Defense lawyer Rajan Supramaniam told the court that his client was not highly educated and wishes to close this "unfortunate chapter" in his life. "Our client has truly learned a hard and bitter lesson as a result of his foolish and wrongful actions," said the lawyer, asking for leniency. “It was fortunate that the prosecution had reduced the charge from a more serious one under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations, which carries maximum penalties of 10 years' jail, a 500,000 dollars fine, or both,” said District Judge May Mesenas. "Hopefully this is a lesson learned for you, not to be taken lightly," said the judge. "After this incident, look at what happened." By Sowmya Sangam
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272 Foreigners, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs Conferred Padma Awards Since 1954 July 24, 2019 14:11
On whole, about 272 foreigners, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), have been bestowed the Padma Awards since inception in 1954, MoS in Home Ministry Nityanand Rai said. "272 Foreigners, Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) have been conferred the Padma Awards since inception in 1954," Rai said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.Rai further added in the written reply, "The award is presented only to those who sacrifice and make efforts to do extraordinary works and establish themselves in the various streams to become an example for the society." He told the Lower House that any individual without distinction of occupation, race, position or sex is entitled for the Padma awards. Padmashree, the fourth highest civilian award, is conferred by the Centre every year on Republic Day.By Sowmya Sangam
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‘NRI Voting Is Very Much Focus for Us’: Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra July 24, 2019 11:32
Months after India had its general elections, Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra on Tuesday called on all Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to register online to boost the numbers of such voters ahead of provisions being put in place for either proxy voting or voting through embassies and missions for them. Addressing a gathering of the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) at the Indian High Commission on ‘Decoding Indian General Election 2019′, Chandra said the ease of NRI voting remains a focus for the Election Commission so that all Indians anywhere in the world can participate in its democracy. “I would call on NRIs to get themselves registered as a voter online. They are Indian and have a right to participate in the Indian democracy. It is very much a focus for us because their voice must be heard as it is their constitutional right to participate in the elections,” he said. Chandra, part of the three-member panel of election commissioners in India, said that only 1.15 lakh NRI voters had registered in time for the 2019 general election, which is not an entirely reflective figure for India’s NRI voter base. He indicated that besides proxy voting, the Election Commission is also looking at the option of using the electronic voting technique currently in use by diplomatic staff worldwide. “We are searching for options, the proxy voting bill had been cleared by the Lok Sabha but lapsed in the Rajya Sabha. But we want they should be able to vote. We want to be ahead of each and every country in the world,” said Chandra. As per present rules, registered NRI voters have to be physically present in their constituency in India to cast their ballots. The Election Commissioner also delved into the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the success of the system of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPT) to ensure complete accuracy and transparency of the country’s seven-phase electoral process this year. “These elections were absolutely transparent with the use of technology. India has taken the lead through EVMs and VVPAT and every person could see what he or she had voted for. Not even a single error was found,” he said, adding that random checks conducted after some complaints had proved the reliability of the system. “Technology is always a big challenge and when someone loses, they want to blame the machines and not the people… It has been proved the most efficient and environmentally friendly system. Other countries have been sending queries about it,” the election official added. By Sowmya Sangam
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Special Support from Indian Govt. to NRI Doctors Willing to Comeback Home July 23, 2019 12:52
During a health summit, the Indian Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced special support from government to Non-Resident Indian (NRI) physicians willing to come back to India and provide healthcare to deprived patients back…
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NRI Businessman Found Dead in Delhi’s Taj Palace Hotel July 22, 2019 16:41
A 35-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman was found dead at the five-star Taj Palace at Chanakyapuri in Delhi, the police said on Sunday.The incident became known on Saturday morning when the deceased, identified as Munni Jaitley, an India-born United States citizen, didn't respond to his father's phone calls."His father called the hotel reception and requested them to check his son's status. The hotel staff tried to connect with Jaitely through the landline, but didn't succeed," Additional DCP, Eish Singhal, told IANS."Later, the hotel manager went to the sixth-floor room of Jaitely and knocked at the door. When he didn't get any response, the room was opened with the duplicate key. Jaitely was laying unconscious," Singhal said."They took him to the nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. The police were informed by the hotel manager," the officer said.At the time of the initial investigation, no foul play could be identified since there was no sign of anyone, including the hotel personnel, visiting the room between Friday night and Saturday morning as per the CCTV footage. "The deceased's mother didn't suspect murder," he added.A medical board would carry out autopsy today to find out if he consumed any drug, causing the death, the Additional DCP said.The deceased, who was single and stayed with his family in the United States, was a regular visitor to the national capital owing to his business. He had come to stay at the hotel on Thursday, the officer said.By Sowmya Sangam
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NRI Reconnects with Sister After Four Decades Through Facebook July 22, 2019 12:54
For some Facebook is a bane, but some it is a boon. But for this Andhra Pradesh-origin NRI, now based in the United States, the social media giant turned into a stroke of luck as it helped reconnect with her long-lost sister after almost four decades. The non-resident Indian Jyothi Edla Rudrapathi never met or got word from her sister Kamala after the latter married a Mizoram Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable in 1980 and moved to Mizoram. On July 15, she posted a request on Mizoram News, a Facebook group, seeking help from its members in locating her sister. She also attached her photo as a five-year-old with Kamala and her husband Hmingliana. (Image source from: Aldrin Meco Arthassy Lalnunsiama) Kamala was located at Lawipu on the outskirts of Aizawl hours after the post was widely shared on social media. Rudrapathi told local publications that her brother-in-law, from Mizoram’s Sialsuk village, married her sister when he was posted in Andhra Pradesh. The family lost contact after the couple moved to Mizoram and efforts to track down them for 39 years did not work out. In 1993, her parents Edla Joseph and Edla Karunamma went to a CRPF camp near their village but were told that their son-in-law had left the service. Rudrapathi said her father died in 2010. Her mother, now 86, has been beside herself after speaking to Kamala. Kamala said her husband died of cancer in 2013. They had four children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. The other three are now married. “I made several attempts to reconnect with my parents and sister but could not do so because of financial constraints,” she told reporters in Aizawl a couple of days ago. By Sowmya Sangam
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28-Year-Old Indian Origin Woman Convicted of Robbery in London July 22, 2019 10:43
An Indian origin woman including three others has been found guilty of a robbery at commercial premises in Lambeth, South London, in August last year.The 28-year-old Harpreet Kaur, from Hounslow, was found guilty at Inner London Crown Court on Friday of false imprisonment and possession of articles to commit fraud.Her accomplices, Monica Pashias, 42, and Tyrone Waugh, 40 had previously pleaded guilty to robbery.All three are due to be sentenced on September 19, Scotland Yard said in a statement, recalling that the police were called into reports of a burglary at commercial premises at St George’s Wharf shortly before midday on August 2, 2018.Officers attended and were informed that the thieves had stolen a laser hair removal machine and accessories, and had locked a member of the staff inside the store.Kaur and Pashias were arrested on August 14, while Waugh was arrested on August 31, the statement added.By Sowmya Sangam
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