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Showing posts from November, 2023

Indian student beaten, forced into labour for months in US; three charged

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US authorities have rescued a 20-year-old Indian student in Missouri who was held captive and subjected to inhumane treatment by his cousin and two other men. The victim, whose name was not disclosed, was locked in a basement, forced to sleep on an unfinished floor, and denied access to a bathroom. He was also beaten with various objects and suffered multiple injuries. The three defendants have been charged with offenses including human trafficking, kidnapping, and assault. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/jYe37Ro

23-year-old student from Gujarat kills maternal grandparents and NRI uncle in New Jersey

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A 23-year-old man, Om Brahmbhatt, was arrested for the triple murder of his maternal grandparents and his maternal uncle in South Plainfield, New Jersey. The motive of the homicide is unknown. The victims, Dilip Kumar Brahmbhatt, his wife Bindu, and their son Yash Kumar, had recently moved to the US from Anand, Gujarat to stay with Yash. Om, who had relocated to the US 18 months ago for further studies, was living with the victims and was found at the crime scene. He has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a weapon. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/tKuAe4n

US to launch domestic work visa renewal programme in December, Indians to benefit most: Official

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The United States will initiate a pilot program in December for the domestic renewal of certain categories of H-1B visas, benefiting Indian technology professionals. This program, limited to 20,000 participants, aims to reduce wait times for visa appointments and prevent individuals from traveling abroad for renewal. The state department plans to expand the program to more categories of workers throughout 2024. The upcoming federal register notice will provide detailed information on eligibility criteria. The positive impact on over one million H-1B visa holders, many of whom are Indian, has been well-received. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/bHFEyLN

Indian envoy Taranjit Sandhu celebrates Gurpurab in New York, felicitated by Sikh community

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from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/FTeBPOf

UK: Thousands march against antisemitism in London, Indian diaspora voice support for Israel

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Thousands march in London against antisemitism, in response to a rise in hate crimes. Former United Kingdom prime minister Boris Johnson joins the rally. British Indian diaspora shows solidarity and protests against antisemitism. They condemn the October 7 terror attacks on Israel by Hamas, drawing parallels with the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The marchers urge the British Government to take action against antisemitism in streets, politics, academia, and media. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/gt2orJD

Indian Americans bid farewell to outgoing Consul General Randhir Jaiswal

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The Indian American community in the New York Metropolitan Area hosted a farewell reception for Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, who is moving on to his next role as the spokesperson of the external affairs ministry. The reception, attended by members of JAIPUR FOOT USA-BRAHUD SENIORS and Rajasthan Association North America, featured messages of goodbye and congratulations for Jaiswal. During his tenure, Jaiswal was actively involved in the repatriation of Indian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. He will be succeeded by Arindam Bagchi. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/WA0v9zi

Indian-American man killed after struck by vehicle in Medina County

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from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/4SxGfw0

Indian-origin healthcare unionist elected president of Singapore's largest labour group

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Indian-origin healthcare unionist K Thanaletchimi has been appointed as president of the National Trades Union Congress in Singapore. Thanaletchimi takes over from Mary Liew and will serve a four-year term. She has served in various roles in the unions and was the driving force behind the merger of the National University Hospital Employees' Union and the Health Corporation of Singapore Staff Union. Thanaletchimi has been leading the Healthcare Services Employees' Union since 2011. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/2xHqZAe

Indian doctoral student shot dead inside car in US

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Aaditya Adlakha, a fourth-year doctoral student in the molecular and developmental biology programme at the University of Cincinnati Medical School, died after being shot inside a car in Ohio. The incident was described as sudden, tragic, and senseless. Adlakha was transported to UC Medical Center where he was in critical condition and was pronounced dead two days later. Adlakha's research focused on neuroimmune communication and its contribution to pain and the inflammatory landscape in ulcerative colitis. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/mAloiY3

Indian skilled workers, medical professionals, students dominate UK visa tally

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According to official immigration statistics released by the UK Home Office and collated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Indian skilled workers, medical professionals, and students continued to dominate the UK's visa tally. Indian nationals topped both the Skilled Worker visa route and the Health and Care Visa route. They also represented the largest group of students granted leave to remain on the post-study Graduate visa route. Additionally, Indian nationals accounted for the highest proportion of tourist 'Visitor' visas granted. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/7bUtDjG

Meet one of the Tandons after whom NYU’s engineering school is named

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I didn’t have a college runway in the US; I was straight in the boardrooms, says Chandrika Tandon. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/WjNglU7

Four Indian nationals imprisoned for conspiring to steal apparel from Singapore retail store

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Four Indian nationals in Singapore have been sentenced to jail for conspiring to steal over SGD 1,700 worth of apparel from a retail store. They removed the price tags containing RFID, bought tote bags, and pretended they had paid for the items. The youngest, Ridham, received the heaviest sentence, while the others admitted to theft or attempted theft. Three other individuals were also involved in the conspiracy. Two other female nationals are scheduled for a pre-trial conference. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/K75LYkQ

Malaysian-Indian jailed for drug trafficking in Singapore

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A 25-year-old Indian-origin Malaysian man has been sentenced to 10 years in jail and ten strokes of the cane for drug trafficking in Singapore. The man, who worked as a cleaner, pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted possession of drugs with the intention of trafficking. He became involved in drug trafficking after his supervisor, who owed money to a person called "Boss," agreed to traffic drugs to repay the debt. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/rBSkIQF

Indian-origin man fatally struck by car in US

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from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/ANLg1jD

Hundreds of Indian-Americans in California's Silicon Valley celebrate Chhath Puja

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Indian-American techies and their families gathered in Fremont, California to celebrate the Hindu festival of Chhath Puja. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God, involves fasting and offering prayers on the banks of rivers and ponds. The celebrations in Fremont began in 2011 with only a few participants, but have since grown, with around 1,200 people joining last year. Organisers provided free tickets for entry to the lakefront, which were quickly taken, demonstrating the community's desire to preserve their cultural traditions. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/eHOKftk

Retired man from Bengaluru runs only Indian restaurant in Uzbekistan's Samarkand

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A retired man from Bengaluru, Mohammad Naushad, has opened the only Indian restaurant in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The restaurant, called "The Indian Kitchen," has become popular among Indian students studying medicine in the city, as well as locals who enjoy the diverse menu. Naushad, who had no previous experience in the restaurant industry, decided to settle in Samarkand after being surprised by the lack of Indian food options. The restaurant receives around 350-400 visitors per day . from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/9IDaZ27

Republican Hindu American Congressional caucus launched

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The Congressional Hindu Caucus celebrated its official inauguration and Diwali on Wednesday at an event hosted by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) in Washington DC. RHC chairman and caucus policy advisor Shalabh Kumar hosted caucus co-chairs Elise Stefanik and Pete Sessions, and 16 other members of the US Congress. ​​For the first time ever, a large number of members of the US Congress will meet to pursue legislative objectives important to Hindu and Indian Americans, US and India bilateral relations, and serve as a bridge between the Hindu American community and US policymakers. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/WSlF1Az

Madhya Pradesh Election Result 2023 Date: Check out date, time of counting of votes, results announcement of 230 Assembly seats

Madhya Pradesh Assembly election results 2023: Voting for as many as 230 constituencies—or Assembly seats—took place in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, November 17, 2023, as the state went into polls in a single phase. from Zee Business: India Politics News https://ift.tt/ZJ9VMlb

Kerala man held in US for shooting at pregnant wife

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A man from Kottayam, India, was arrested for shooting his pregnant wife in a church parking lot in Chicago. The couple had been living in the US for six years and had a four-year-old child. The woman, who was three months pregnant, survived the attack but suffered multiple bullet wounds. There were reported family issues between the couple, and the woman's condition was critical due to excessive bleeding. This incident follows a recent case where a Kottayam native was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his wife in Florida. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/ojXGCiu

South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of America: President Joe Biden

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President Joe Biden acknowledged the role of South Asian Americans in the development of the US and wished them a happy Diwali. He recognized how the community has woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of the nation, symbolizing the message of seeking wisdom, love, and unity over ignorance, hate, and division. The message has gone viral with over 2.1 million views. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also extended warm wishes for Diwali, emphasizing the importance of diversity and religious freedom. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/HOMgFmJ

Record Indian students went to US for higher studies in 2022-23, up by 35% since last year: Report

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The number of Indian students studying in the United States has reached an all-time high, with a 35% increase in the academic year 2022-23, according to the Open Doors Report. Indian students make up more than 25% of the total number of international students in the US. India has also surpassed China as the largest source of international graduate students in the US. The US Embassy issued a record number of student visas, and the US Ambassador to India praised Indian students. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/Wxf7IUR

Indian students lead surge in international enrollment at US universities

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The number of international students attending US universities increased by 12% in the 2022-23 academic year, with a 35% jump in students from India, according to a study. This marks the largest single-year increase in international student enrollment in over 40 years. The US remains the preferred destination for international students, with over 1 million students coming from abroad. While China still sends the most students, its numbers have decreased for the third consecutive year. US universities have been focusing on recruiting in India, which now surpasses China in sending students to 24 US states. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/IZOuBRv

Job losses not a problem; Open Doors report finds robust growth in number of Indian students choosing to stay back in the US on OPT

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India has become the second leading country for students studying in the US, according to the Open Doors 2023 report. The number of Indian students in the US reached an all-time high of 268,923 in 2022-23, a 35% increase from the previous year. China remained the top-sending country, but with a negative growth rate. Overall, the US hosted over one million international students during the academic year, a 12% increase from the previous year. The increase in Indian students was driven by a significant rise in graduate student numbers. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/evZiYmx

Iran: Indian envoy pays homage to Indian soldiers who died in world wars on Remembrance Day

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Remembrance Day was observed in Tehran, Iran, to honor soldiers who died in the two World Wars. The Indian Ambassador paid homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the wars. India and Iran have a long history of interaction, and their relationship continues to grow with high-level exchanges, cooperation in various sectors, and strong people-to-people ties. They have also signed an MoU for the development of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar, and are important trade partners. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/UePj6bT

Indian-origin man escapes jail time for drunken attack on neighbour in UK

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An Indian-origin man has escaped serving time behind bars after being handed a two-year suspended sentence and a 10-year restraining order for a drunken attack on a neighbour in the West Midlands region of England. Gurjap Singh, 41, launched a manic assault on a woman who suffers from dementia as she walked towards her home in Fenton, Staffordshire, and went on to enter her home to repeatedly slap her on her face. According to a court report in the 'Stoke-on-Trent Live', the woman's husband tried to intervene but was pushed aside by Singh who was said to be in a "state of mania". from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/IpgEDqG

Indian student stabbed in US gym dies; accused found him 'little weird'

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Indian student Varun Raj Pucha, who was stabbed at an Indiana fitness center, has sadly died from his injuries. The 24-year-old accused, Jordan Andrade, faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. Andrade claimed that he attacked Varun in self-defense, stating that he felt threatened by him. Andrade described Varun as "a little weird" and someone he didn't know. He maintained that he used a knife as a defensive measure to eliminate the perceived threat. Andrade confessed to pulling the knife out of his pocket and stabbing Varun in the head. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/svKQ3Xa

4 Indian-Americans win key elections in US

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from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/WKrjQsw

Indian-American Congresswoman's sister launches Congressional bid

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Susheela Jayapal, the sister of Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, has launched her congressional bid from the US state of Oregon. A former county commissioner in Oregon, Susheela announced her candidacy on Wednesday, aiming to succeed longtime Democratic Party Representative Earl Blumenauer, Oregonlive news portal. "We need a progressive champion in Washington to carry on Congressman Blumenauer's legacy, stand up to MAGA ideologues, and get things done for our community without compromising our values," India-born Susheela said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/qwo23CX

Canada stabilises its immigration plan: Targets remain unchanged with 4.85 lakh to be admitted in 2024

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Canada's immigration levels for the next three years (2024-2026) will remain the same as the previous year, with 485,000 new permanent residents expected in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025. The numbers will plateau at 500,000 in 2026. The immigration plan takes into account the housing crisis and infrastructure stress. Quebec has its own immigration levels, and the plan also includes targets for French-speaking permanent residents. The Express Entry system, is a popular route for skilled Indians. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/xBwpame

Australia court asks ex-India envoy to pay ₹74L to former help

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Australia's federal court has ordered a former Indian high commissioner to pay AUD 136,000 to a former domestic help of Punjabi origin for unpaid wages and unfair working conditions. The complainant, Seema Sherghill, worked seven days a week, for 17.5 hours per day, and was only allowed out of the house to walk the employer's dog. She received a total of AUD 3,400 for her 13 months of work. Sherghill described her employer's wife as demanding and said she was responsible for the upkeep of an eight-bedroom house. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/8kzqLNJ

Haley and Ramaswamy show the rising political power of Indian Americans even as they feud in debates

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Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, both of Indian descent, are set to meet on Wednesday for the third presidential debate. While they represent the growing political influence of Americans of Indian descent, they are out of sync with the broader Indian American community, which overwhelmingly supports Democrats. However, even marginal gains among Indian Americans could be significant in closely contested states. Researchers believe that Indian Americans are now well placed to produce conservative thinkers and political aspirants. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/lXFgVLv

Ruchira Kamboj expresses gratitude on re-election of Indian candidate to UN advisory committee

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India's candidate, Surendra Kumar Adhana, has been re-elected to serve on the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) at the United Nations for the term 2024-26. The ACABQ is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on the UN's budget and administrative policies. Adhana's re-election highlights India's commitment to active participation in the decision-making processes of the UN and its dedication to global cooperation and effective governance. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/dLBiqm0

Indian candidate re-elected to key UN advisory committee for 2024-26 term

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India's candidate, Surendra Kumar Adhana, has achieved a significant re-election milestone by securing a seat on the Advisory Committee on Administrative & Budgetary Questions (#ACABQ) for the term 2024-26. Surendra Kumar Adhana's re-election underscores India's ongoing commitment to participating actively in the decision-making processes of the United Nations. The Advisory Committee on Administrative & Budgetary Questions holds a pivotal position within the United Nations. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/j3hMHfR

Hate crime among multiple charges levelled against New York man in fatal attack on Indian-American

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A New York City man faces multiple charges, including hate crimes, following an attack on a 66-year-old Sikh man after a car collision. The 30 year old defendant, Gilbert Augustin, is a resident of Queens. The incident occurred on October 19 when Jasmer Singh collided with Augustin in the borough. According to the Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz's office, the collision happened as Jasmer was driving his wife home from a doctor's appointment in preparation for an upcoming trip to India, as per reports. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/uUbRjoF

US opens 2.5 lakh visa slots, Delhi wait drops to 37 days from 542 last week; Kolkata, Mumbai & Chennai also see drop

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The wait time for Indians seeking US visas has significantly reduced, with Delhi experiencing the biggest drop from 542 days to just 37 days for B1/B2 visa interview appointments. Other consulates have also reported improvements, with Kolkata's wait time dropping from 539 days to 126 days, Mumbai's from 596 days to 322 days, and Chennai's from 526 days to 341 days. The US embassy has opened over 250,000 visa interview slots, leading to the reduction in wait times. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/aN82pQj

PIO professor wins prize for book that challenges Eurocentric telling of British Empire’s origins

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Nandini Das, an Indian-origin author and Oxford academic, has won the 11th British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding for her debut novel, "Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire". The book challenges existing notions about India's pre-colonial period and the origins of the British Empire. Through the story of the first English ambassador in India, the book offers an entertaining and unbiased encounter between the two cultures, highlighting their ambitions, misunderstandings, and prejudices. from NRI - The Times of India https://ift.tt/5TxeWXP