NRI ( Page 42 of 83 )

Indian-origin NASA employee detained at Airport February 13, 2017 17:31

An Indian-origin was stopped at the George Bush International Airport in Houston, Texas. Sidd Bikkannavar is an American citizen of Indian-origin and an employee of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. After spending two weeks in South America, he was flying back home to the United States on January 30th. When he arrived at the airport, he was welcomed with an unexpected gesture that Sidd would never have thought as he was an American. According to the reports, he was stopped at the airport and was questioned for over four hours and also had to divulge his phone’s PIN to be let of finally. Sidd left to South America on January 15th, while Obama was still the President, when he returned on January 30th, it was little over a week into the Trump’s presidency. Sidd posted an on his Facebook wall stating that he was “detained by the Homeland Security and held with others stranded due to the immigration ban.” Though he initially refused to share his PIN, as his one of the phone was the property of his office with confidential information on it, he was forced to give his PIN and was detained till they finished copying data from the phone. His entry should not have raised such problems as he is an American by birth with a US passport. He is also enrolled in Global Entry, a program through CBP that allows individuals who have undergone background checks to have expedited entry into the country. Sidd did not visit any of the listed country listed in Trump’s immigration ban. His office where he has been working since 10 years, JPL, is a US federal agency. His passport was scanned by the CBP, when he entered the country and was taken to a room to wait along with five other people, who seemed to be affected by the ban. Sidd asked why Homeland security officers that why he was being questioned, but they did not provide him any answer.Sidd was also presented with a document titled “Inspection of Electronic Devices” and he was explained that the CBP can search his phone. He showed them the phone which had a JPL pin code protection, making the device a property of NASA. US may ask social media passwords from Visa Applicants AMandeep

Indian-origin woman killed by Tree Fall February 13, 2017 15:17

An Indian-origin woman died after being hit by a falling tembusu tree at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on Saturday 11th February. Her husband a French nationalist Jerome Rouch-Sirech, 39-year-old and their two children were also injured in the incident. 39-year-old Radhika Angara was the chief marketing and strategy officer at ‘Fastcash’ a global social and mobile payment platform. She moved to Singapore with her family in January 2013. She was previously the vice-president of marketing at Myntra Designs an online fashion online in Bangalore, India. Ms Angara, studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Ithaca College in the United States, she had also held positions at France-based electronic payment company Ingenico and international food company General Mills. Last year she left her job at Fastcash and joined as digital marketing regional head of Asia Pacific for Mastercard. CEO of Fastcash Mark Carter said in a message that Radhika was a pivotal member of the company’s management team and an inspirational leader, who garnered huge respect from all the persons who knew her. He said Radhika was always available to support her colleagues through the journey in Fastcash and she will be deeply missed. Condolences and deepest sympathies go to her family at this sad time, he said. Mr Rocuh was discharged from the National University Hospital on Saturday night. According to his Linkedin profile he heads retails at Puma South East Asia. In the incident a 26-year-old Singaporean woman was also injured, the incident took place at least 50m away from the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. Ms Tay Pei Lei and that she too have been discharged from NUH. National Parks Board, which manages the Gardens, said it is investigating why the tree fell. Telangana student shot dead in California AMandeep

NRI visits India for pet surgery February 11, 2017 10:46

Sanjeev Jangwal a Punjabi NRI, who has settled in Paris have come to Ludhiana, India for the surgery of his pet dog Eva, three-year-old Bull Terrier. Eva was treated in ‘THE VETERINARY surgery department of state-owned Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’ The surgery for cruciate ligament of the leg that left her lame and limping would have cost around 4,500 Euros (Rs 3.2 lakh) in Paris. Surgery was conducted on January 31st after that Eva is perfectly back on her feet; it costs only Rs 800 for surgery about 11 Euros. Even after including the cost of tests and medicines, the total expenses were Rs 800. A specialized fish line thread that was used in surgery cost 92 pounds approximately (Rs 7,740) was delivered from London. Jangwal said that even if he included the cost of Eva’s flight ticket, the price he would have spent was less than Rs 1 lakh on her treatment. He said the cost of surgery alone is Paris was Rs. 3.5 lakh. So Jangwal headed to India for Eva’s surgery and he ordered threads from London as GADVASU doctors said its result would be better. According to vets like Jangwal many other NRIs get their pets treated in India. The trend is giving rise to vet medical tourism in India, which is a growing field. “It was an extremely critical condition that Eva was in. It is not a rare surgery, but a specialized one in which the knee joint is opened and in European countries if the condition worsens, vets even suggest euthanasia. Dr Arun Anand, associate professor, veterinary surgery at GADVASU, said surgery being too costly in Europe, many opt for euthanasia, but with growing vet medical tourism, NRIs were landing in India to get their pets treated.” He added, a hole was drilled and the thread was installed to stabilize the knee joint. Eva is back to playing and eating. Harmeet Grewal is an NRI from Canada who is going to get her Pomeranian Cultural dog treated at Vets for Pets in Ludhiana, said, “Cost effectiveness is a major factor. Treatment, medicines and even pet food, everything are just too expensive abroad. My dog Murphy had a severe stomach infection and eczema on the legs.” Vipan Puri, whose daughter before shifting to the US from Singapore left their Australian Silky Terrier dog Mocha with him said that treatment for pets in India were way cheaper with almost the same facilities available abroad. But, few cases, ticket are too costly,” Dr Jaspreet Singh from Vets for Pets said “Maybe NRIs are saving their money, but it is a win-win situation for India as vet tourism holds major potential,” said Shawna Pandya clarifies not listed for NASA AMandeep

NRI visits India for pet surgery February 11, 2017 10:46

Shawna Pandya clarifies: Not listed for NASA February 10, 2017 18:26

News were circulated about an Indian-origin woman, Shawna Pandya stating that she was shortlisted for NASA. But she denied all the reports that stated being shortlisted for NASA. In a Facebook post she clarified that "The Canadian Space Agencyastronaut selection is ongoing and will be finalized by the end of this year; Pandya said that she was not a part of the selection". She also clarified that she was not a neurosurgeon or an opera singer. Shawna Pandya on her Facebook Post she wrote: Thank you all for your recent well-wishes and support; it is really fantastic to see such enthusiasm for space and exploration. I am many messages behind, but will get to them all in the coming days. In light of the many many media reports and interviews over the past 24 hours, I would just like to make a few clarifications about my work and qualifications, as I have noticed more than a few misstatements. “There has been no new announcement, flight assignment or selection of missions with respect to my work as a citizen-scientist astronaut with Project Possum or The PHEnOM Project”. “I am no more or less likely to fly than any other member of than these projects than I was 24 hours ago”. “I remain, however, a steadfast, committed and dedicated teammate and crew member to the work of both projects”. My work is separate from the work of the Canadian Space Agency and that of NASA, and should not be represented as such. The Canadian Space Agency astronaut selection is ongoing and will be finalized this year; I am not a part of the selection. While I have previously interned at NASA-Johnson Space Center, I have no current affiliation with either organization, and would like to clarify that any reports or articles claiming as such are mistaken. Any articles stating that I am a neurosurgeon are mistaken. I previously trained in neurosurgery for a short period; however, my medical license is in general practice. I am not an opera singer; I have sung opera on stage once. It went well and I would do it again; however, just as boxing once does not a boxer make, neither does that one event makes me an opera singer. I look forward to continuing my work as a physician, speaker and citizen-scientist astronaut and aquanaut, and just as importantly, look forward to continuing my work with outreach and education about these projects.Dr Shawna Pandya is working as a citizen-scientist, astronaut with Project Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere and physiological, health, and environmental observations in Microgravity. Indian-origin doctor performs operation to save woman’s life AMandeep

Missing Hyderabad NRI found dead in Falaknuma February 10, 2017 17:24

Syed Imran a 35-year-old NRI, who was working with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi had gone missing from Falaknuma, Hyderabad last week was found dead and his body buried at an under-construction house, police said today (February 10). Police on Friday got exhumed the body of Imran, who was employed as the Customer service Officer at National Bank of Abu Dhabi. Police said that he was murdered for having extra marital affair with a city-based woman. Imran’s mother lodged a missing complaint with Falaknuma police on February 4th. She said that her son had gone missing following which police registered a missing case. DCP of south zone V Satyanarayana said during the investigation, police found that Imran had met a lady at Rythu Bazzar (Vegetable Market) in Falaknuma and he left with her on a two-wheeler on 4th February. During the investigation, Saif Bin Sabeth Barabood said to police that the missing person was having an extra-marital affair with the wife of his elder brother Sayeed Bin Sabeth Barabood and also his elder sister. Sayeed Bin Sabeth Barabood was working as a servant in Qatar Army, when came back to Hyderabad. DCP explained that when Sayeed met his younger brother, he was informed about the extra-marital affair of Syed Imran with his wife and sister. Then Sayeed plotted a plan along with his brother Said Bin and his wife, they lured Imran through his wife to Rythu Bazaar from where they went to Jamalbanda, DCP said. "They later murdered Imran by cutting his throat with a knife after sprinkling chili powder in his eyes and caused his instantaneous death and buried his body," the senior police officer said. He further added that the investigation was in progress to bring-out the total facts and to unravel a conspiracy hatched by the accused persons. Indian-origin ordered to pay alimony to ex-wife AMandeep

Indian-Origin Doctor Performs Operation to Save Woman’s Life February 10, 2017 10:35

An Indian-origin saved the life of a young mother with what is believed to be the world’s first radical procedure. Mellissa Benoit a 32-year-old was born with cystic fibrosis and had developed a rampaging lung infection that spread throughout her body. Dr. Shafique Kehavje is an Indian-origin athoracic surgeon; he has years of experience at the forefront of innovative research into lung transplantation. Dr. Kehavjee said, operation was the only option, he explained that for the first time ever they had a patient in their intensive care with no lungs. In fact, she was technically on an artificial lung, an artificial heart and an artificial kidney for six days. Dr. Keshavjee and his 13 member surgeons and specialist team kept Benoit alive by the state of the art technology that oxygenated and circulated her blood, until organs from donors became available. Benoit said “You really come from the brink of death to living at home." But she was just so grateful and happy to be home. In the latest issue of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery issued the medical team’s report. She also said "I never thought I would be able to walk. And here, I am walking." Indian-origin led Star-up launched overseas transaction AMandeep

Indian origin led startup launched overseas transaction platform February 09, 2017 17:16

A financial technology startup based in Singapore by an NRI today launched an online platform by which people can transfer funds to India cheaply. SingX Pte Ltd is planning to expand its services from Singapore to allow online money transfer to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia, where it holds licenses along with other countries. The app was launched in mid January 2017, using the service Singapore based consumers can transfer money to Indian consumers at fraction of charges. They claimed that it would be a fraction of what consumers typically pay money transfer through regular banking charges. SingX is backed by some of the country’s most experienced bankers, the foreign exchange platform can help consumers and small/medium sized enterprises save up to 90% of remittance charges. Atul Gard the SingX’s Principal Founder and CEO said that the company wants to create the Airbnb of global payments with the Country’s first peer-to-peer foreign exchange platform. Garg said that they their targets are consumers and SMEs, the segments they believe are undeserved and consumers are paying higher rates of remittance. SingX’s technology will provide them with a smarter way of moving their funds, swiftly, smoothly and cheaply. Consumers no longer have to stand in bank queue’s or fill up the forms. Sid is of Indian-origin in Singapore with over 25 years of baking and payment experience. According to a report in 2016 by the Boston Consulting Group commissioned by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, estimates cross border payments at USD 30 trillion and growing at 10 per cent. The estimated revenues from cross border payments are USD 300 billion. Indian-origin awarded UK’s top honour in Mathematics AMandeep

Indian-origin awarded with UK’s top honour in Mathematics February 08, 2017 11:59

An Indian-origin has been elected ‘Fellows of the of Mathematics and its Applications in the United Kingdom on January 26th. The honour recognizes outstanding contribution to the advancement of mathematics. Bishnujee Singh is the CEO of Cayley Aerospace Inc, he is also a chartered mathematician of the same institute and also the first ever aeronautical engineer to be conferred as a chartered scientist with the United Kingdom’s Science Council. He was also awarded EUR ING Award from FEANI Brussels in 2011, Bishnujee became the first ever engineer from India to receive this award. NRI and team creates Guinness world record AMandeep

Indian-origin ordered to pay alimony to ex-wife February 08, 2017 11:15

An Indian-origin banker Amit Goyal in the United Kingdom has been ordered to pay alimony to his ex-wife from his pension funds, which he had transferred out of India, in a high court ruling that has been described as a “landmark.” Justice Mostyn said in his ruling last month that “there were powerful reasons for making a supplementary periodical payments order in the favour of the wife. The Goyal vs Goyal case in the Family Division involves a long-running divorce battle between Amit 39-year-old and his ex-wife Ankita Goyal 35-year-old and also strikes a blow at attempts by divorcing spouses trying to conceal their assets overseas. Under the order, Ankita will receive new periodical payments of around 5,200 pounds every year, which is 100 pounds per week. Judge added that it was a very small sum of objectively, but will be a meaningful sum for her as she will attempt to rebuild her life and support their child. The order will end, if she remarries, which she hopes to do. According to the Britain law a pension may be divided between divorcing spouses by means of a pension sharing order pursuant to the Matrimonial Causes under the Act 1973. But a previous judgment court appeal in the case ruled that pension sharing pursuant to Section 24B did not apply to foreign pensions. Amit appealed in the court that it was not possible for the court to make a pension sharing order in respect of overseas pension. While his ex-wife Ankita failed to show that the pension sharing order would be enforceable in India. However, the latest court ruling decided that it was open to order the UK-based husband to make payments from the annuity to the wife as maintenance payments. Zaiwalla & Co Solicitors represented Ankita on a pro bono basis said that it was a landmark judgment in a long running financial remedy case which relates to a foreign pension which the husband had transferred out of the UK to India. Amit claimed that he had transferred his pension annuity to a friend in India to satisfy a debt. But the court disbelieved his claim and concluded the story was a barefaced lie. Amit and Ankita were married in 2004 before separating in 2011; they have a 9-year-old daughter. Previously a judge ordered Amit to hand over his remaining assets to his ex-wife Ankita. However, they have been locked in legal battles for years now, something the judge in the latest ruling expressed his regret about. NRI and team creates Guinness world record AMandeep

NRI and Team Creates Guinness World Record February 07, 2017 10:17

Suneet Jain a 24-year-old mechanical engineer, joined Chrysalis Entrepreneur from India in Koh Tao, Thailand to break the ‘Guinness world record for the longest human chain underwater with an amazing 182 scuba divers. Previously the record was held by 173 divers from Italy. The attempt to create a record was planned with Absolute Scuba in India and took place at Coral Grand Resort, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao. 140 meters were the total length of the human chain. From an age group of 8-year-old to 58-year-old participated in the chain, more than 30 people were non-swimmers and several in the team were first-time scuba divers. The team overcame several challenges, which included recruiting and training more than 200 people, scouting a perfect location and organizing a large scuba diving in a foreign country. However, after six months of planning the team failed in their practice attempt Because of many divers were not familiar with salt water. Overnight the team replaced several divers created a winning dive plan to set this spectacular record, demonstrating their belief and proved to the world that ‘nothing is impossible’. The goal of this world record attempt was to inspire ordinary people to extraordinary accomplishments Suneet now plans to use his engineering skills for his next Guinness world record. He has a few ideas and is already working out their feasibility. Indian-American boy may change the world with his new invention AMandeep

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