NRI ( Page 4 of 82 )

Indian Students In Kyrgyzstan Asked To Stay Indoors May 18, 2024 10:59

As a result of attacks on foreign students in Kyrgyzstan, India has issued a warning to its citizens to remain indoors. The advisory was given after several Pakistani students were injured in mob violence in their hostel. The Indian Consulate has stated that they are keeping in contact with their students and that the situation is currently stable. However, students are still advised to stay indoors and contact the Embassy if necessary. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has also advised students to stay in touch with the embassy. The government has denied reports of three Pakistani students being killed in the attack. The Pakistan embassy has said that the situation escalated after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students went viral online, resulting in hostels of medical universities in Bishkek being targeted by the mob. These hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. A recent post on X by Pakistan's Kyrgyzstan consulate has reported attacks on hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, along with private residences of international students. The students come from various countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and a few Pakistani students have sustained minor injuries. Despite rumors circulating on social media about the death and rape of Pakistani students, no such reports have been confirmed. Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed concern and directed the Ambassador to provide necessary assistance. The situation may reflect tensions surrounding the presence of South Asian migrants in Kyrgyzstan, with an estimated 15,000 Indian students in the country, though it is unclear how many are currently in Bishkek.

Telugu boy Sai Varshith pleads guilty in an attempt to kill President Biden May 15, 2024 07:04

Sai Varshith Kandula, a Telugu boy from Chesterfield, Missouri, has been charged with attempting to murder US President Joe Biden. Reports from Washington indicate that Kandula, influenced by Nazi ideology, had the intention to harm the President. On Monday night, Kandula rented a U Haul truck and twice rammed it into the security barricades at Lafayette Square near the White House. Alert security personnel arrested him immediately. During questioning, Kandula revealed that he was targeting both the President and Vice President Kamala Harris. He has been charged with use of deadly weapons, negligent driving, trying to endanger the life of the President, and destruction of government property, among others. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. According to sources in Chesterfield, Kandula graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 2022 and has an ideology similar to German Nazism. The police have informed the President's office of the incident. The Washington Post reports that a man named Kandula was found with materials in the truck he was driving. He initially pleaded guilty to damaging federal property, but a terrorism charge was added to his plea agreement. This charge could have resulted in a sentence of 12 to 15 years in prison, but the maximum sentence for federal property damage is 10 years. Prosecutors agreed to seek a sentence of eight years for Kandula when he is sentenced on Aug. 23. He has been in a Washington D.C. jail since May of last year, when the incident occurred. During his arrest, Kandula reportedly threatened to kill the president if necessary to seize power and hurt anyone who stood in his way.

Why is US trying to cap visas for Indians? May 10, 2024 15:06

Harbir K. Bhatia, CEO of the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement that Indians are one of the biggest innovation leaders in Silicon Valley and that the US high-tech industry cannot survive without them. Indian Immigrants: “There is a reason why they keep trying to restrict visas. They know we're very healthy, so they just have to limit it. Otherwise, "they could lose all their jobs." He said Indians could succeed. In every profession, including technology, agriculture and medicine, Indians are one of the biggest drivers of innovation in Silicon Valley, Bhatia said in an interview: "It wouldn't be possible without them the same thing." Bhatia pointed to historical data showing that 40 percent of Silicon Valley CEOs and founders come from South Asia or India. He emphasized the influence that Indians have in large companies. “They are at the CEO and CIO level of large companies like Google, YouTube and Microsoft,” Bhatia said. Bhatia attributes this success to a culture of hard work and results. “We always strive for excellence,” he explained. “This drive sets us apart.” Bhatia praised India's ingenuity by pointing to the concept of 'Jugad', a frugal and flexible approach to problem-solving solution. “Indians are good at finding solutions,” he said. “The industry thrives on cost-effective models,” he explained. But Indian talent here continues to be of great importance to many tech companies.

Indian student stabbed to death in Australia May 07, 2024 11:10

A young man from India, who was pursuing a master's degree in technology, was killed in Australia. The incident took place during a fight between some Indian students. The authorities are looking for two Indian-origin brothers in connection with the murder. According to the victim's uncle in Karnal, Haryana, Navjeet Sandhu was fatally attacked with a knife when he tried to intervene in a dispute between some Indian students over rent. Navjeet's friend had asked him to come along to his house to pick up some belongings. When Navjeet reached the house, he saw that there was a fight going on. He tried to intervene, but was stabbed in the chest. The alleged accused is also from Karnal. Navjeet's friend was also injured in the incident. The family received the news of the incident early Sunday morning and is in a state of shock. Yashvir revealed that his brother Navjeet had moved to Australia on a study visa a year and a half ago. His father had sold one and a half acres of land to support his education. Yashvir requested the Indian government's assistance to bring Navjeet's body home. Meanwhile, the Victoria Police are on a hunt for two men in connection with a stabbing incident in Ormond, Melbourne. The suspects are brothers Abhijeet and Robin Gartan, both of Indian origin. Abhijeet is 26 years old, 170cm tall, with a solid build and black hair. Robin is 27 years old, 170cm tall, with a solid build and black hair. The duo is believed to be travelling in a stolen white Toyota Camry sedan. They were last seen in the Ormond area shortly after the dispute occurred at 1 am on Sunday. Victoria Police reported that several individuals sustained injuries from stabbings, but the victims remain anonymous. Authorities are currently on the lookout for two men who are believed to have fled the scene. According to police, the individuals involved in the altercation were acquainted with each other, but the reason for the conflict is still under investigation.

Indian-origin man with ‘bipolar disorder’ shot dead by US police April 27, 2024 09:27

Sachin Sahoo, a 42-year-old man with bipolar disorder, was fatally shot by police in San Antonio on April 21. The incident occurred when Sahoo attempted to escape arrest for an aggravated assault case by hitting two officers with his vehicle. Officer Tyler Turner fired the fatal shot, according to investigators from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Sahoo, who was originally from Uttar Pradesh, may have been a naturalized US citizen. The police were called to the Cheviot Heights area of San Antonio following a report of an aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon. Upon arrival, they discovered that Sahoo had collided with his 51-year-old roommate, Candace Byrnes, whom he had only known for about a month. Byrnes suffered serious injuries, including two broken bones in her pelvis and brain bleeds, requiring surgery. Following a certain condition, Sahoo was issued an arrest warrant by the police. However, the neighbors alerted the authorities that Sahoo had returned to the original location. Upon the arrival of the policemen at the scene and their attempt to communicate with Sahoo, he struck them with his car. In response, one of the officers discharged his firearm, resulting in Sahoo's demise. One of the injured officers received immediate medical attention, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officer Tyler Turner, who has been with the department for five years, has been placed on routine administrative leave as the SAPD investigates the shooting incident. Candace Byrnes encountered Sahoo outside the Salvation Army, where he introduced himself as an Uber driver and offered her a place to stay in exchange for assistance around the house. Initially feeling secure, Byrnes later noticed Sahoo engaged in self-conversation. Byrnes claimed that Sahoo had stopped taking his medication and desired a more intimate relationship than just friendship. According to her, Sahoo became enraged when she informed him of her intention to leave temporarily and return within a few hours.

Indians can now get five-year multi-entry Schengen visa April 24, 2024 11:07

Indian nationals can now benefit from a new visa system introduced by the European Union (EU), known as the "cascade" regime. Under this system, Indian citizens are eligible to receive long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas that are valid for a period of two years. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous visas, which had shorter validity periods. To be eligible for the two-year visa, applicants must have previously obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas within the past three years. Upon successfully utilizing the two-year visa, Indian travelers can expect to receive a five-year Schengen visa, provided that their passport has enough remaining validity. Holding a valid two-year or five-year visa grants Indian citizens the same travel rights within the Schengen area as visa-free nationals. This means that they can freely travel within the member countries for short stays, typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period, without requiring additional permits. According to the statement, the initial two-year visa is usually followed by a five-year visa, depending on the remaining validity of the passport. Throughout the duration of these visas, holders enjoy the same travel privileges as visa-exempt nationals. The "cascade" system is designed to reward frequent travelers by gradually increasing the length of their visas. Upon successful utilization, the visa grants you the potential to be eligible for a visa lasting five years. Within the Schengen visa, individuals are granted the freedom to explore the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Although these visas are not limited to a specific purpose, they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries, including 25 member states of the European Union: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. It also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This decision is made in the context of strengthening relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which aims for comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India. The facilitation of people-to-people contacts is a crucial aspect due to India's importance as an EU partner. On April 18, 2024, the European Commission implemented specific regulations for issuing multiple-entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more advantageous compared to the previous standard rules of the Visa Code. Travellers in India will now have easier access to visas that are valid for multiple years, as long as their passport allows it. This new policy is especially beneficial for those who frequently journey to and from India.

Three Indians trying to enter USA ilegally Arrested March 15, 2024 06:46

Four individuals, including three Indian nationals, were apprehended by US Border Patrol while attempting to enter the United States illegally on a freight train from Canada. The incident occurred on the International Railroad Bridge in Buffalo, New York, as the individuals jumped off a moving train. Despite sustaining injuries, a woman was unable to flee and was left behind by the men who were eventually caught after a chase. The injured woman received immediate medical attention from Erie County Sheriff's deputies and US Customs and Border Protection officers before being transferred to a local hospital. According to officials, the woman and two of the men were identified as Indian nationals, while the fourth individual was from the Dominican Republic. All four were undocumented non-citizens. The woman is currently receiving additional medical care in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act. Several Indians who tried to enter into the USA ilegally have been arrested.

59,000 Indians get US Citizenship in 2023 February 12, 2024 07:47

India was the second highest contributor of new citizens to the United States in 2023, with over 59,000 Indians officially becoming citizens, according to a report by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The report also states that a total of 870,000 foreign nationals gained US citizenship in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with Mexico being the top provider at 110,000, followed by India at 59,100. To be eligible for citizenship, individuals typically need to have been lawful permanent residents for at least five years, although there are exceptions for certain groups, such as spouses of US citizens or those with military service. The majority of new citizens in FY 2023 met the requirement of being lawful permanent residents for at least five years, followed by those who were married to US citizens for three years or had served in the military during specific periods. In general, individuals must have a minimum of five years of lawful permanent residency, while spouses of US citizens need at least three years of residency to be eligible for citizenship. The average duration of lawful permanent residency for citizens naturalized in FY 2023 was seven years.

Two Indian Employees Sentenced To Prison in USA February 03, 2024 08:51

Three individuals who previously worked for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have been given sentences for participating in a plot to unlawfully acquire exclusive software and confidential law enforcement databases from the US government for personal gain. Notably, two of these individuals are of Indian nationality. Sonal Patel, a 49-year-old resident of Sterling, Virginia, received a two-year probationary period as part of her sentence. In April 2019, Patel admitted guilt in the conspiracy to steal government property. Murali Y Venkata, a 58-year-old resident of Aldie, Virginia, was sentenced to four months of imprisonment. In April 2022, Venkata was found guilty by a jury for conspiring to steal government property, defraud the United States, commit wire fraud, and destroy records. Charles K Edwards, a 63-year-old resident of Sandy Springs, Maryland, was sentenced to one year and six months of imprisonment. Edwards pleaded guilty in January 2022 for his involvement in the conspiracy.

Australia scraps Golden Visa Programme January 23, 2024 11:19

Australia has made the decision to end its "golden visa" program, which allowed wealthy foreign investors to live in the country. The government cited poor economic results as the reason for scrapping the program, and it will be replaced with a visa that focuses on skills. The significant investor visas (SIV) were originally implemented to attract investment and promote innovation in Australia. To qualify for the visa, candidates were required to invest 5 million Australian dollars in the country. However, the program faced criticism for contributing to corruption and allowing foreign nationals to bring illegal funds into Australia. Notably, the majority of successful applicants were from China, with 85% of the SIVs granted to Chinese investors. "It has been clear for a long time that this visa does not meet the needs of our country and economy," stated Clare O'Neil, the Minister of Home Affairs. Australia, following in the footsteps of countries like the United Kingdom, has decided to join the list of European nations that have banned similar investment-based residency programs. This decision was made due to concerns about the potential influx of illegal money into the country. The UK, for example, ended its own investment-driven residency program in 2022 out of fear that money launderers from Russia were taking advantage of the program to reside in the UK. Clancy Moore, the CEO of Transparency International Australia, expressed his satisfaction with this development. He had been leading a movement against these so-called "golden visa" programs, citing their alleged flaws and vulnerabilities. According to Moore, corrupt officials and kleptocrats have long used these programs as a means to park their illicit funds in Australia and potentially conceal the proceeds of their criminal activities.

Three arrested for assaulting Indian student for three months in USA December 01, 2023 11:48

In a shocking and appalling case, a 20-year-old Indian student in the US has been rescued from months of inhumane captivity and abuse. The student, whose name has not been disclosed, endured unimaginable suffering and was subjected to physical violence, including beatings and threats with weapons. The incident highlights the urgent need for routine screening and care for vulnerable populations, including immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities. These populations are often at higher risk of experiencing human trafficking, exploitation, and various forms of violence. Furthermore, the ordeal faced by the Indian student brings attention to the broader issue of human rights violations and abuse across different contexts. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by Native American students and their struggle to engage in post-secondary institutions due to a history of forced assimilation and inhumane treatment. Human rights violations, torture, trauma, and limited access to basic human needs such as food and shelter are unfortunately common experiences among people seeking asylum. These individuals often come from resource-poor countries where access to healthcare is limited, exacerbating their vulnerability and increasing the need for support and protection. This incident serves as a reminder of the intersecting oppressions and traumas experienced by victims of human trafficking.

Stabbed Indian student at a US Gym, dies November 09, 2023 10:21

An Indian student was stabbed at a fitness centre in the state of Indiana of USA and the incident took place on October 29th. The 24-year-old student passed away on Wednesday in a private hospital. The deceased was identified as Varun Raj Pucha who is a computer science student at Valparaiso University. He was stabbed in the head by 24-year-old Jordan Andrade told the cops. The official statement told "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Varun Raj Pucha. Our campus community has lost one of its own, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Varun's family and friends as we mourn this devastating loss,". The accused was arrested and he was charged with attempt of murder and aggravated battery. Jordan Andrade told the cops that Varun had plans to assassinate him. He also said that they never met before the attack but he said that someone told him that Varun was threatening. The cops said "Officers also spoke with Planet Fitness staff who indicated that (the stabbed man) was a regular gym member and generally kept to himself, was quiet and reserved, nothing indicating that he was 'creepy". Andrade found Varun weird and walked close to him. When Varun tried to push him, Andrade started attacking. He agreed that he attacked Varun in the head with a knife. The University campus said that a memorial service will be held on November 16th. Varun Raj comes from Khammam district of Telangana and he is doing his MS in Computer Science from August 2022.