Andhra government launches ‘Non-Resident Telugu Society’ May 11, 2016 12:29
The government of Andhra Pradesh established the "Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society" (NRTS). The society is headed by the chief minister and aims to promote "Brand AP" among the Telugu communities settled in foreign countries. The initiative also encourages their efforts in the state development process. The NRTS will also plan to promote and seek investments from non-resident Telugus, industrialists and the foreign investment agencies in several sectors in the state. The state chief secretary Satya Prakash Tucker, said that, "There is a huge interest among non-resident Telugus towards meaningful contribution for the growth and empowerment of people living in Andhra Pradesh.” "There should be an institutional mechanism to channelise their interest towards tangible contributions or investments from Non-Resident Telugus in Andhra Pradesh. Hence, the Society is being set up under the aegis of the state government," Tucker said in an order. The registered office of the society would be located here, while its area of function would be "all over the world", the order said. There are 10-member in the governing body of the Society. The committee would be headed by the CM, the minister for NRI affairs and adviser to government (non-resident Telugu affairs). It also includes principal secretaries of seven key departments as members. The society affairs will be managed by an eight-member executive council, headed by the adviser (NRT affairs), with two NRI members for a three-year term. Also read: NRIs aim to bring back lost artefacts of India Nandini
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NRIs aim to bring back lost artefacts of India April 25, 2016 11:21
India Pride Project (IPP), a volunteer group has been launched by two NRIs to bring back the lost artefacts of India. The initiative is on a countrywide awareness campaign to highlight the reality of several lost pieces of culture. Vijay Kumar, co-founder of IPP, said that, "India was looted of more artefacts in the post-colonial era than under the British or Mughals." He is an art enthusiast himself and working as the general manager of a shipping company. According to the India Pride Project (IPP), nearly 70,000 artefacts have gone missing from India, in which around 7,000 from Karnataka state alone. The volunteers works across the world and identifies stolen art. They traces its route and tries to restore it back to its rightful place. Due to the IPP efforts, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott returned Sripuranthan Nataraja to India. “Among the five (artefacts) brought back to India through IPP last year is the celebrated Nataraja Idol of Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu. The idol, stolen more than three decades ago, had reached museums in the U.S., and then Australia where it was sold for $1.5 billion,” said Mr. Seshadri Shankar, a Bengaluru-based IPP volunteer. “We are working towards the release of 2,000 artefacts, but 262 are ready to be brought back as of now,” said a volunteer. Anurag Saxena, a co-founder of IPP, said that, "Other countries are more helpful in returning pieces of art than India is in claiming what is rightfully ours." Anurag work as a chartered accountant and Asia-Pacific CEO for the World Education Foundation, UK. He spends his holidays in government offices attempting to bring back what he calls 'chori ka maal'. "I live in Singapore. If I don't do what I'm doing now, I wouldn't know what to tell my 6-year-old about her country, apart from the Taj Mahal and Qutub Minar. In Indian villages, every other function happens in a temple. What if the idol there were to be stolen? It might just be a piece of stone for others but for people who believe in it, it's a big thing," Anurag said. The volunteer group uses Twitter to spread the awareness among citizens. Its handle #BringOurGodsHome was among the top five trending hashtags. Recently, they organized an event in Bengaluru to enlist volunteers. Around 120 people took a pledge to bring back their heritage during the event. Also read: US received 2.36 lakh H-1B visa applications, completes visa draw - Nandini
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US received 2.36 lakh H-1B visa applications, completes visa draw April 14, 2016 10:41
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, it has received more than 2,36,000 H-1B petitions within just five days of opening up the visa process, which is three times more than the Congressionally-mandated cap for the coveted work visa sought by Indian IT professionals for 2017. The agency has completed the lottery or computerized draw of lots, for granting 65,000 H-1B visas after receiving over 2 lakh visa applications. According to USCIS, it also received over the limit of 20,000 H-1B petitions from those international students, who completed their studies from the US academic institute and universities in subjects , technology, engineering, science and mathematics. Also read: US to take action against Indian students for illegal stay USCIS informed that, it has received more than 2,36,000 H-1B petitions including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption, during the filing period, that started on April 1. A computer-generated random selection process was used by USCIS on April 9 to determine the successful applications, 65,000 general-category cap and the 20,000 cap under the advanced degree exemption or master’s cap. All unselected petitions will be rejected or returned by the USCIS to applicants with their filing fees. USCIS will start premium processing for H-1B cap cases before May 16, as the agency announced on March 16 this year. Mail Today reported that, a senior Nasscom executive said that, "the details would take some time to emerge but Indian companies such s TCS, Infosys and Wipro are expected to get a lion's share of the visas. Canada and the Phillipines are the closest competitors." Nandini
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NRI kids have high Autistic tendencies April 06, 2016 17:24
Autistic tendencies are increasing among the NRI kids. Over 30% of the total reported cases seen by the experts are said to be catering to this segment alone. The experts are divided over the factors responsible for the rising cases of autism in kids. It is a neuro behavioral problem in children which leads to communication barriers. It affect at least one in 1,000 kids in the country. Anitha Are, clinical psychologist, Citizens Hospital, said that, "It has been noticed that NRI parents, if both are working, have minimum exposure to other people around and they often involve themselves in gadgets besides remaining immersed in their work. Even if appointed care givers take care of the physical needs of the children, there is a huge gap of communication created with the kid." Dr Srinivas, who practised for three years in the USA,said that, "Unlike Indian parents, who would take it easy if their four year old child does not manage to speak even a few words, NRI parents settled in developed countries rush for autism screening at two years of age if they suspect any autistic behaviour." "Effectiveness of treatment would be hampered if their condition is not diagnosed and treated through behavioural, speech and occupational therapies starts before they turn six. They will end up becoming socially inept and poor motor skills when they enter in their teen," warned Dr Srinivas. Nandini
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Indian-origin professor named Fulbright specialist roster April 04, 2016 13:35
An Indian-origin professor and the chairperson of the pharmaceutical department at a prestigious American university has named the Fulbright Specialist Roster for his outstanding work in the field of pharmacy. Rajendra R Aparasu, hailing from Mahbubnagar district, Telangana in India is the first professor at the University of Houston selected for the Fulbright Specialist Programme. The Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is funding the Fulbright programme,that, aims to help US faculty to share academic expertise and enhance linkages with non- US institutions on assessment, curriculum, research training and faculty development. Aparasu said that, "There are very few Fulbright specialists in pharmacy; I am really honoured to be selected for Fulbright Specialist Roster." "This is a great opportunity to offer my expertise in developing professional and graduate pharmacy programmes that involve pharmaceutical health outcomes and policy," he said. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to visit overseas pharmacy institutions to assist faculty and administrators with respect to academic and research programs in pharmaceutical outcomes research," he added. Also read: Indian scholar named VC of Canberra University He completed his Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) from Kakatiya University, and Master of Pharmacy (MPharm), from Jadavpur University in India. He obtained his Ph.D in Pharmacy Administration, University of Louisiana, Monroe, LA before joining the University of Texas in 2006. He also served as a faculty at the South Dakota State University for more than a decade. Pharmacoepidemiology, psychopharmacology, Geriatrics and evidence-based medicine are his primary areas of expertise. His current research project is being supported by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Nandini
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Arab countries account for highest NRI deaths March 30, 2016 16:22
The Gulf countries account the highest Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deaths , a recent Post in TOI revealed. The highest 8307 NRI deaths happened in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between January 2013 to March 2016. A large number of Indian workers are attracted by the money offered at the construction sites in the Arab countries, but they often pay a heavy price for the money. Arab nations account for the highest number of deaths of Indian- origin people, working overseas. Report says that, the dangerous nature of jobs is not the only reason behind the deaths of Indian workers. The NRIs in the Arab countries continue to remain Indian citizens, while in the West countries , where over the years most NRIs become the local citizens. The Arab countries such as, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar are top the list of Arab nations, that account for the highest number of deaths of the Indian- origin workers. According to the report, 80 per cent of the overall worldwide deaths of Indian citizens happened in these five countries. The UAE accounts 2741 deaths of Indian workers in 2015, while 2674 workers died in the Saudi Arabia, during the last year. Nandini
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Gay marriage bureau for Indians! March 23, 2016 13:12
An NRI has established India's first portal, where gays can find their life partners in India. The customized marriage agency will help homosexuals to find the right match. Benhur Samson, who settled in the US, started the 'arrangedgaymarriage.com' after receiving numerous requests from gays regarding prospective life partners. He has been working in the medical tourism sector and helping gay couple in assisting with surrogacy for their children. PTI reported that, Samson said that, "In June when (US President Barack) Obama declared marriage equality rights. I realized that while so many heterosexuals were visiting India to get married, then why not do the same for homosexuals." The gay marriage bureau conducts background checks and counselling, said the NRI. Around 250 enquiries were received by the agency already from gays, mostly from India. The agency helped 29 couples to tie the knot, said Samson. He said that, "we have received enquiries from about 250 clients, mostly from India, of which one-fifth have enrolled, as not everybody can enroll because fee is USD 5,000. We promise them a year's time to set them up with the partner they are looking for." "We have been doing this since last eight years. I have been in international medical tourism and our clients would visit India to take their babies and will fall in love. We'd help them out and were already counselling them on their choice of couples. So we decided why not start a separate portal for them," he added. Nandini
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US workers file lawsuit on Disney, Cognizant and HCL over layoffs with H-1B visa holders January 28, 2016 11:17
Two former IT workers at Walt Disney World, situated in Orlando, had sued against the company along with two other global consulting companies, Cognizant and HCL for illegal termination and hiring H-1B visa workers to supplant them. Leo Perrero and Dena Moore have filed separate lawsuits in the federal court in Tampa and Florida, against Walt Disney, HCL and Cognizant. Both are among the other Disney tech employees who were fired off around a year back and had to train their replacement. The Workers claimed that, global consulting companies, Cognizant and HCL were responsible to hire H-1B visa holders to replace them. Leo Perrero, said to TOI in an interview that, "We were shattered. It was a humiliating experience." They claim in lawsuit that, the companies have been broken the US laws with the help of temporary H-1B visas to bring foreign workers. Perrero said that, "There was a lot of negativity in the air. They don't feel comfortable, we don't feel comfortable. There isn't a great deal of camaraderie." He completed his bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT) and have 15 more certifications in IT. According to the Walt Disney World, the lawsuit is "based on an unsustainable legal theory and are a wholesale misrepresentation of the facts". They denied any wrongdoing. The company hired over 1000 employees back into other positions and roles. They offered another position at similar pay to Dena Moore, with one of Blackwell's clients. Dena Moore said that, "Our complaint is not against the H1B programme itself, which is fine if it is executed within the rules. Our problem is with its misuse. Companies are lying and falsifying facts and documents." Nandini
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Ten lupus linked genes identified by Indian-American scientist led team January 27, 2016 15:38
Indian-American scientist led international team has identified 10 new genes linked up with lupus, the autoimmune disease. Lupus is a debilitating condition where the immune system of the body turns unbalanced and tries to attack its own tissues. Swapan Nath is a scientist with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). He along with his colleagues carried out a study to analyze over 17,000 human DNA samples gathered from the blood from volunteers belonging to four countries including China, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan. Approximately 4,500 samples, have served as confirmed lupus cases, while the remaining served as healthy controls. According to Nath, "We know lupus has a strong genetic basis but in order to better treat the disease, we have to identify those genes." The analysis revealed that 10 distinct DNA sequence variants are linked to lupus, which affects nearly five million people globally as per the Lupus Foundation of America. Particularly, One gene known as GTF2I, showed high likelihood of developing the disease. OMRF's Autoimmune Disease Institute director Judith James said, "These findings mark a significant advance in our knowledge base for lupus genes," "For every gene we identify, it brings us closer to uncovering the trigger for this puzzling disease. It's good news for researchers and patients alike," he added. In a paper published in the journal Nature Genetics, Nath noted that, "Its genetic effect appears to be higher than previously known lupus genes discovered from Asians, and we surmise that it now may be the predominant gene involved in lupus." -Sumana
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Indian diaspora largest in world, UN report January 18, 2016 11:42
India is the country with largest diaspora population in world, according to a latest UN survey on international migrant trends. The report indicates that 16 million people of India re living all through the world, outside India, in 2015. The survey was carried out by the UN department of economic and social affairs (DESA). The survey revealed that the number of international migrants went to 244 million in 2015 on the whole in the world. This number reflects 41% increase compared to 2000. The number of international migrants means people lining in a country other than the birth country. According to the "Trends in International Migrant Stock", approximately 2/3 of international migrants live in Asia (75 million) or in Europe (76 million). UN under secretary general for economic and social affairs Wu Hongbo said, "The rise in the number of international migrants reflects the increasing importance of international migration, which has become an integral part of our economies and societies," "Well-managed migration brings important benefits to countries of origin and destination, as well as to migrants and their families," Hongbo added. India is followed by Mexico and Russia for having the largest diaspora in the world. Nearly 16 million Indians were living outside India in 2015, this indicated a growth from 6.7 million in 1990, according to the survey. Other countries with large Diasporas are Russia, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ukraine. - Sumana
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Bobby Jindal quit as Louisiana governor January 14, 2016 15:45
Indian-American Bobby Jindal quitted office as Louisiana governor. He resigns from the post during his second four-year term. Bel Edwards, who is the lonely Democratic governor in the Deep South, took over his place. Mr. Jindal (44) said during an interview, that, he did not submit an application for the elected post and from now onwards he has decided to work with America Next, a think-tank he added. Jindal is the First Indian-American who holds the top position in the country. He was appointed 2 times for the governor post, first time, he elected as the governor of Louisiana in 2008. Earlier last year, Jindal announced himself as a contestant for the 2016 US presidential elections, but suddenly he took out his name a few months back saying, "This is not my time." According to the survey, Jindal’s failed to achieve people’s support and his campaign kept polling even less than one percent, while, in beginning he has seen like a rising star in the Republican party. He graduated from A Brown University, also he awarded by Rhodes scholarship. Nandini
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Indra Nooyi becomes Yale’s largest alumni donor January 14, 2016 10:10
The India born, the chair and chief executive of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi named as the highest alumni donor to the Yale university. She made the donation of an undisclosed amount to the Yale university. Ms. Nooyi graduated from Yale university in 1980. She , credited her experience at the school for "forever" altering "the course of my life" and said her gift "pales in comparison with the gift that Yale gave me the fundamental understanding that leadership requires an expansive worldview and a deep appreciation of the many points of intersection between business and society." She said in a statement that, "Business issues are never just business issues, and my most ardent hope is that this endowment will teach future generations of leaders that the most successful companies of tomorrow will do more than make money," she said in a statement. They will make a difference and create shareholder value by improving the quality of life in every market in which they operate,” she added. Peter Salovey, president of the Yale University, said, that, Nooyi's "sense of purpose, deep engagement with civic life, and the pursuit of excellence exemplify the kind of leadership in service to society that we hope all Yale graduates will achieve. The world needs skillful, purposeful, and dedicated leaders in every field and every sector, and Indra's name is synonymous with those core values of the university," he added. Ms. Nooyi, who is a member of the boards of US-China Business Council, the US-India Business Council and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Tsinghua University. Nooyi is one of the world’s most famous and powerful business women. Earlier, she was a member of the Yale Corporation. She also served as the member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Nooyi was also appointed by the US president, Barak Obama for the US-India CEO Forum. Nandini
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