India Revokes Passports of 33 NRIs for Abandoning Wives December 13, 2018 09:22
The Indian government has revoked passports of 33 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for deserting their wives, the Women and Child Development Ministry said Wednesday. The Integrated Nodal Agency (INA) up to now issued 8 Look-out-Circulars (LoCs) to absconding husbands in cases of NRI marriages. The agency, chaired by the secretary in the Women and Child Development Ministry Rakesh Srivastava, is constituted by the Ministry to deliberate on the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to streamline the process of dealing with the cases of NRI matrimonial disputes. The 33 passports have been impounded by the External Affairs Ministry, a senior official said. The WCD Ministry has also said that a detailed proposal, including points like mandatory registration of NRI marriages within one week with penal outcomes for non-registration, would be placed before the Cabinet for its approval. Another clause includes amendments in passport rules to facilitate its cancellation for absconders, the official said. Related content: NCW Appeals MEA to Foil Ex Parte NRI Divorces "The WCD Ministry and NCW (National Commission for Women) are taking every possible step to protect women in NRI marriages. We serve as a nodal point of contact for grievances received from women on the dedicated email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. // and coordinate the redressal system," the WCD said in a tweet. The @MinistryWCD and @NCWIndia are taking every possible step to protect women in #NRImarriages. We serve as a nodal point of contact for grievances received from women on the dedicated email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. // and coordinate the redressal system.@sharmarekha — Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) December 11, 2018 "The problem of women being abandoned in NRI marriages is a serious issue. For the first time, WCD Ministry, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs are providing coordinated support to women facing problems in their marriage to NRIs," the WCD said in another tweet. The problem of women being abandoned in #NRImarriages is a serious issue. For the first time, @MinistryWCD, Ministry of External Affairs @MEAIndia, and Ministry of Home Affairs are providing coordinated support to women facing problems in their marriage to NRIs. — Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) December 11, 2018 -Sowmya Sangam
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This NRI in Qatar Keen on Farming is 'Going Green' December 12, 2018 10:09
In spite of the harsh climate of Arabia, Jyothy, a Non-Resident Indian, has successfully grown vegetables and flowers at her villa compound in Doha's Matar Qadeem. Although Jyothy came to Qatar as a nurse at…
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NRI in Bid to Promote to Jute Cultivation December 11, 2018 13:26
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) and PULSES Chief Executive Officer Srinubabu Gadela wage a war against plastic saying it is ruining the health of the people and the wealth of the farmers with the huge drop in jute production in the backward Srikakulam district. The United States-returned NRI has been organizing meetings for the past few months to make farmers to go back to jute. He says adequate availability of raw jute would lead to a revival of all the closed industries. Dr. Srinubabu, who hails from Allena village of Burja mandal, completed his post-doctorate from the Stanford University and started Omics International Private Limited to facilitate free access of journals for researchers. Later, he established the Pulses Group, a health informatics and health care services in Hyderabad. Dr. Srinubabu, who is not content with his achievements, is keen on enhancing the income sources of farmers by guiding them in the usage of the latest technology and information in agriculture. He has been conducting training programs for youngsters to become entrepreneurs. "Thousands of farmers and laborers have fallen victims with little demand for jute cultivation and closure of many industries in Rajam, Bobbili, Vizianagaram, and other places. The revival of jute production and processing would certainly minimize the usage of plastic covers and bags. There is a huge demand for jute material in paper and textile industries too. That is why I am suggesting the farmers go back to jute cultivation which is sure to generate more income and employment." Ambedkar University Vice-Chancellor Kuna Ramjee said the University would sign an agreement with the Pulses Group in training PG students in a systematic way. "Youngsters from poor families and Telugu medium can also do wonders if they work hard and develop new ideas. That is why we requested its chairman to take up special training programs and help the PG students to get jobs in reputed firms and start their own industries," said Dr. Ramjee. Minister for Human Resources Ganta Srinivasa Rao felicitated Dr. Srinubabu for coming forward to serve the native district. "We should do something for our native places. It will certainly make other well-settled NRIs utilize their knowledge and wealth to benefit the backward areas," he said. -Sowmya Sangam
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Shashi Tharoor Launches Indian Author's Book at Sharjah Book Fair December 11, 2018 04:42
The Lady Biker, a collection of short stories by an Indian-American actor, producer, and author Thampi Antony, was released by Member of Indian parliament and author Shashi Tharoor, at the Sharjah International Book Fair earlier this month. Published by Mathrubhumi Books, Tharoor gave a copy to Abu Dhabi-based writer and cultural critic Shajahan Madampat on November 9. Tharoor said he is a great Malayalam short story enthusiast and lauded Antony's work. Antony, a resident of Alamo, California, said it was a matter of great privilege and delight, as a writer, to have the work released by Tharoor, a public figure with an enormous following and a packed schedule. Referring to the excitement that the presence of the Indian National Congress MP created, he said that there was a near stampede at the event. "Even the security guards couldn't do much," he said. "Some of my closest friends couldn't get anywhere near the book release event. I am delighted that he kept his promise to me and came for the release." The Lady Biker (original Malayalam title: Pen Biker) is a collection of 14 stories that was first published in several prominent Malayalam weeklies over a period of two years. The Lady Biker, the title story, was published in the Kalakaumudhi weekly. In the author's own words the book is an amalgam of the American life and Malayalee experiences. "Each story is a conversation," reviewer Veena Chand wrote in Mathrumbhumi. "Each character talks to the reader in plainest of languages." The Lady Biker is Antony's fifth Malayalam book and second short story collection. He has also written a novel, a collection of poems and a play. Antony has acted in 40 films, mostly in Malayalam, including Sufi Paranja Katha, Beyond the Soul, and Parudeesa. His latest movie Puzhayamma, directed by Vijeesh Mani, is scheduled to be released in the New Year. He also acted in Cash, a Hollywood movie that he produced. The Californian has likewise produced 7 films, most notably the Calcutta News. -Sowmya Sangam
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Telangana NRIs Vow to Support TRS In Future Bids December 10, 2018 12:05
Telangana Non-resident Indians (NRIs) on Sunday expressed their confidence over the winning of Telangana Rashtra Samithi in the assembly elections held on December 7, saying the party would retain power and continue to implement welfare and development activities. The NRIs vowed to continue their support to the TRS and its president K. Chandrashekar Rao in their future endeavors after the election results are announced Tuesday. Speaking to the media at Telangana Bhavan on Sunday, TRS NRI wing coordinator Mahesh Bigala said the Telangana NRIs had traveled wide and far across the State to campaign on behalf of the TRS for the Assembly polls. "We have witnessed a positive response from people cutting across caste, religion and region lines. They are overwhelmed with the governance of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao. We are confident that the results will be in favor of the TRS," he said.Mahesh further said Chandrashekhar Rao would play a vital role in the creation of the Federal Front to bring qualitative change in the national politics. He reiterated that the Telangana NRIs would rally behind the Chief Minister in this regard. "The people of Telangana would never accept TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu in the State, and the Congress and TJS president M Kodandaram lost their credibility due to their alliance with Naidu," he said. TRS NRI wing leader Mahesh Tanneru thanked the Telangana NRIs who took part in the poll campaign. He said Chandrashekhar Rao had already assured to address the issues pertaining to Telangana NRIs after returning to power.By Sowmya Sangam
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Govt. to Table Bill in Winter Session to Allow NRIs to Vote December 08, 2018 06:02
A Bill to amend the electoral law to allow voting rights to the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) will be tabled in Rajya Sabha in the upcoming winter session, the Central government on Friday told the Supreme Court. The Lok Sabha had earlier passed the bill on August 9. Once the Bill is passed and enacted, more than 25 million overseas Indians/NRIs will be able to vote through postal or e-ballots. A division bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta slated the hearing for January 2019 after hearing the submission of Additional Solicitor General ANS Nadkarni. The court was hearing the petitions filed by two NRIs, Shamsheer VP from Kerala and Nagender Chindam, chairman of the United Kingdom-based Pravasi Bharat. The petitions said 114 countries, including 20 in Asia, have adopted external voting, which could be held by setting up polling booths at diplomatic missions or through postal, proxy or electronic voting. Currently, only defense personnel are permitted to vote through a proxy. However, the facility for the NRIs will not be the same as that enjoyed by the services personnel. According to the proposal, the NRI voters will have to appoint a nominee afresh for each election and one person can act as a proxy for only one overseas voter. Due to the high travel cost and time involved, only a few NRIs come to India to cast their votes. In July earlier this year, Attorney General K K Venugopal had told the court that NRIs could not be allowed to vote by merely changing the rules made under the Representation of People Act and a Bill was needed to be introduced. The court had asked the Centre to make a decision whether it would amend the electoral law or rules to permit NRIs to vote by postal or e-ballots in the polls in the country. The court took note of the fact that the Centre and the Election Commission were complying to the report of a panel that NRIs might be allowed to vote. By Sowmya Sangam
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UAE Quietly Deporting Indian-Origin Sympathizers of Islamic State December 06, 2018 04:53
The United Arab Emirates has not only been formally extraditing fugitives but likewise quietly deporting Indian-origin sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) since earlier this year, according to report. The UAE has been a close…
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Telangana Polls: NRI Contests from Warangal West to Change City's Fate December 05, 2018 11:46
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who lived in the United States is trying his hand at Telangana Assembly elections 2018 from Warangal West constituency, with an aim to change city's fate. Vikranth Babu Samidha came back to India three years ago from the United States to engage himself in social work in his motherland and is currently contesting as an independent candidate. He worked with prestigious companies such as Apple and AT & T in the U.S. "People watch movies like Sarkar, and hoot and cheer for such movies, but they won't come out to vote. They spend time and money to travel to watch these movies, but they can't go to a polling booth in their own locality to cast a vote, which can bring about change," says Vikranth to TNM in Warangal. Vikranth will be competing against Member of Legislative Assembly Dasyam Vinay Bhasker of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Telugu Desam Party's Revuri Prakash Reddy, and Dharmarao Marthineni from Bharatiya Janata Party. Motive to Join politics "It's not about winning or losing for me at the moment. It's more about spreading awareness among people on their right to vote. And I felt like it required me to enter politics actively and use that as a platform to do so and that's what I'm doing," he says. Image Source: The News Minute Born and brought up in Warangal, Vikranth completed his Masters in computer science at Texas A&M University and currently is the I-T head at Apollo Sugar Clinics, Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. "I work as a consultant. This is so that I can work for three days a week and dedicate the rest of the week for the various organizations I volunteer for here in Warangal," he says. "I have been working with various organizations, mostly in the field of education where we ensure people go to school, donate books, bags and other necessities so they can receive a decent education. Through this, we also started teaching people about sanitation, etc. As elections approached, we were asking people why they don't come to vote and realized that there is little awareness about the need to vote and the need to elect the right leaders. I felt like people needed to know why and who they vote for and ensure that they hold them accountable for the lack of development. At this point, several people asked me why don't I enter politics myself, so I thought - why not," he adds. Vikranth works with organizations such as Helping Hands India, Youth for Swachh Warangal and Young Pioneers of India. 'No Promises' Vikranth says he doesn't want to make many promises and then fail to fulfill them. His motto too, he says, is 'Neraverchani maatalakanna, panulu chese chethulu minna," which translates to 'working hands are better than empty promises.' "We don't want to engage in pointing fingers at others or getting personal. Our agitation is against the work that hasn’t been done yet and we will work on finding solutions for current problems instead of complaining," he adds. Vikranth wants to concentrate on four major areas: Health, education, smart cities, employment for youth. And his focus too, he says, is on the growing urban population in these towns. He believes that a 'one size fits all' manifesto won't make sure that development trickles down to the bottom of the pyramid. "Things like health and education can be generic but beyond that, every MLA needs to have manifestos specific to their constituencies that target specific problems," he adds. Vikranth points out that more than 65 percent of our population comprises youth. "For any development and innovation going forward, youth will play a very important role and we are seeing that happen slowly. But the saddest part is that today our Parliament is one of the oldest in the world in terms of age of politicians. When we need youth for everything, why don’t we want them to rule the country?" he says. Vikranth wants to bring about more employment opportunities for the youth and turning Warangal into a smart city is one such big opportunity, according to him. Warangal was selected as a smart city in the second list put out by the government. But Vikranth claims that no work has been done on this front. "Look at things like rapid transportation systems, solid waste management, or even underground drainage. There is so much that can be done but nothing has been done. Nearly Rs 900 crore has been released for this purpose for Telangana and we have found that not even Rs 200 crore has been utilized. And the leaders too, don’t seem to know how to make Warangal a smart city," he adds. Vikranth wants to implement solid waste management and underground drainage in the city if he comes to power. He also wants to create recyclable bricks and lay roads with recycled material. "There is immense employment opportunity through solid waste management since everything is recyclable and a lot can be done with the waste generated in these towns," he says. "Involving the youth in making Warangal a smart city will ensure the development is holistic." Use of Digital Media For his campaigning, Vikranth is focusing on digital media, with digital ads online and through WhatsApp. Apart from that, there is also print campaigns and door-to-door campaigning. His budget, Vikranth says is Rs 10 lakh and the moment that money is exhausted, he says, he will stop campaigning. "I have taken the initiative and put a step forward to bring about some change. Whether I win or not, is something people will decide. But through the campaigns, if I manage to influence at least 10-20 percent of the people, I will be happy. At least some change would have begun," Vikranth says. -Sowmya Sangam
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Telangana Assembly Elections: NRIs in Drive to Ensure Their Party Wins December 05, 2018 06:42
The Telangana Assembly Elections is scheduled to take place on December 07, 2018, and Telangana people across the world are absolutely making an effort to ensure that their political party is successful. Related content: Telangana Polls: Reasons Why It Won't Be a Cakewalk Win for TRS During the T20 finals in Sydney between India and Australia on Tuesday, a placard painted in green read: "Vote for AIMIM. Vote For Kite. Best wishes from Kangaroo Developers and Builders. Branches in Hyderabad, India, and Sydney." Telangana diaspora's growing interest in the politics of the state is plainly evident from the message. NRI (Non-Resident Indian) supporters of all major parties, including the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), are doing their bit for imminent Telangana assembly elections. Related content: KCR Scared of PM Modi Because of His Corruption: Rahul Gandhi Placards supporting TRS, too, were spotted during some matches in Australia. The TRS recently launched its NRI campaign with a core people from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware attending its first meeting. Its coordinator, Mahesh Bigala, spoke about the State government's development activities. A few days back, the TRS campaign "war room" in Denmark was launched through Skype. Many BJP supporters from the United States of America also voiced their support for the party. "We will work for the development of Telangana the way PM Modi developed the BJP without corruption, nepotism and without discrimination," Krishna, a resident of New Jersey said. Related content: PM Modi Pours Scorn on TRS Government at His First Rally in Telangana A Telugu from Texas Express got in touch with urged Telanganites to vote for the BJP and to help it win by a big margin. The diaspora's most creative campaign, up to now, was done by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabian leg of the AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) party. They organized 'Asaduddin Owaisi Football Cup' in Jeddah. A supporter said: "The event was prepared with the intention of supporting our community and strengthening the party in the elections." -Sowmya Sangam
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Soon, Travel to UAE from Mumbai in High-Speed Underwater Rail December 04, 2018 10:49
In the near future, Indians may relish underwater 'floating rail' travel between United Arab Emirates' Fujairah town and Mumbai, one similar to London to Paris. According to a Dubai-based Khaleej Times report, UAE-based company National…
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Indian Woman Sets World Record in Arctic Expedition December 04, 2018 07:37
An Indian-origin woman has made the country proud by setting a record for or completing a winter expedition in the Arctic Circle, along with her two children. The 45-year-old Bharulata Patel Kamble accomplished this feat while undergoing treatment for cancer. The United Kingdom-based Bharulata's children - 13-year-old Priyam and 10-year-old Aarush - also set the record for being the first Indian-origin children to have hoisted the Indian tricolor in the Arctic Circle. ImageSource: Mumbai Mirror Bharulata began her expedition two months after she underwent a life-changing cancer surgery. The courageous woman drove with her kids without any backup crew or vehicle. The journey was not easygoing as the trio faced galore challenges on their way to the Arctic Circle. Driving more than 10,000 kilometers in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celcius in a region that only receives few hours of daylight, Bharulata proved nothing is impossible. The trio traveled through, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland before heading to Nordkapp in Norway. They started for the Arctic Circle from the iconic Santa Claus village Rovaniemi in Finland. Bharulata proved to be a very skilled driver as she moved through difficult hilly roads with extreme weather conditions. On their way to the Arctic Circle, the snow and wind storm made their journey more difficult. This was not the first time Bharulata visited Nordkapp. Earlier, she successfully drove solo through the Arctic Circle in 2016. She then traveled through 32 countries and covered a distance of 35,383 kilometers. She was also the first Indian woman to have hoisted the Indian flag in the Arctic Circle in 2016. Love for India Bharulata's journey was also about spreading awareness about cancer to promoting the Indian government's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. This expedition was also likely the among the first such plastic-free expeditions. ImageSource: www.bharulata.com And all this for their love for India! Their aim was to hoist the Indian national flag at Nordkapp. Bharulata, along with her children reached Nordkapp, but faced the Arctic windstorm, with the winds as fast as the speed of 20 meters per second. After waiting with patience for two days for the weather to settle, the trio hoisted the Indian flag and sang the national anthem. -Sowmya Sangam
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Kamala Harris to Decide on 2020 U.S. Presidential Bid 'Over the Holiday' December 03, 2018 06:07
The first Indian-American to serve in the United States Senate, Democrat Kamala Harris said she will make a decision about a potential 2020 presidential bid during the upcoming holiday season. "It will ultimately be a family decision," Harris, who represents the state of California, told MSNBC during an event in San Francisco. "And over the holiday, I will make that decision with my family." Harris, 54, ranked fifth in a November poll of Democratic voters' preferred nominee to take on president Donald Trump's re-election bid, Politico news reported on Sunday. Related content: Tulsi Gabbard to Meet Indian-Americans on Potential Presidential Run On November 8, 2016, she was elected to Senate to succeed outgoing Senator Barbara Boxer. Harris has sent $25,000 to the Democratic parties in four early nominating states: Iowa, South Carolina, Nevada, and New Hampshire. In October, she visited South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Iowa to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections. -Sowmya Sangam
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