Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna Elected to Powerful Congressional Caucus December 03, 2018 05:54
It's been almost a month since four Indian-Americans was re-elected to the United States House of Representatives and now two Indian-Americans among them – Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna – have been elected to leadership positions of a powerful Congressional Caucus. The first Indian-American Congresswoman Jayapal has been elected as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), along with Congressman Mark Pocan. California Representative Ro Khanna elected to replace Jayapal as first vice chair of the CPC for the 116th Congress beginning January 2019. The elections for the major caucus within the House Democratic Caucus - which will have in excess of 90 members - was held on Thursday. Both Jayapal and Khanna, who represents Washington and Silicon Valley respectively, were re-elected to the U.S. House for their second consecutive term during the mid-term elections held on November 6. Related content: Tulsi Gabbard to Meet Indian-Americans on Potential Presidential Run In the outgoing Congress, Jayapal was the First Vice Chair of the CPC. Congressional Progressive Caucus Established in 1991, the CPC aims to reflect "the diversity and strength" of the American people and pursues to "give voice to" the wants and aspirations of all Americans and to build a more fair and humane society. "I am committed to ensuring our caucus is as bold and strategic as possible, and that our members have the resources and the ability to stand up for the chance for every American to have real opportunity, to take on the largest corporations and special interests who have corrupted our democracy and to bring real power to workers, women, immigrants and all of those most vulnerable and marginalized," Jayapal said after her election. "The progressive movement is the strongest it has ever been and I, along with Rep. Pocan and the entire CPC Leadership, look forward to leveraging that power to deliver policies that benefit a diverse, inclusive and just America," she said. The American people sent a Blue Wave powered by progressives to Capitol Hill and we fully intend to respect the electorate's decision by presenting a bold, forward-looking agenda, said Pocan. "I am excited to welcome Rep. Jayapal as a Co-Chair of the Caucus and with progressives in Democratic leadership, we will continue to advance our ideas and shape policies that make a lasting and positive difference on the lives of the American people,” he said. The four central principles of the CPC are fighting for economic justice and security for all; promoting global peace and security, protecting and preserving civil rights and civil liberties; and advancing environmental protection and energy independence. -Sowmya Sangam
Read More
Trump Administration Proposes Changes to H-1B Program December 01, 2018 05:10
A major change to the H-1B application process has been proposed by the Trump administration on Friday with an aim of awarding a visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers. Under a…
Read More
Govt. to Table Bill to Stop NRI Men from Deserting Their Wives in India November 30, 2018 05:13
To curb the incidents of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) husbands abandoning their wives after marriage, the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has announced that the administration will table a bill in the approaching winter session. Talking to the media in Hyderabad, Swaraj said that the government has already launched an institutional mechanism to track such incidents and added that 25 passports of such NRI husbands have already been revoked by the MEA. Related content: NCW Appeals MEA to Foil Ex Parte NRI Divorces Replying to a query about NRI husbands abandoning their wives, Swaraj who was in Hyderabad to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the imminent Telangana assembly elections said that through this bill the government aims to tackle such cases which have increased significantly over the years. The Supreme Court has recently sought a response from the Centre on a plea seeking obligatory arrest of NRIs who not only desert their wives but then likewise harass them for dowry. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K Joseph issued directives to the Centre and said that the deserted women should be accorded legal, financial help and their estranged NRI husbands must be arrested once the FIR is filed. A group of women who had allegedly been abandoned by their NRI husbands and endangered to dowry harassment moved to the apex court seeking reliefs plus the mandatory arrest of their estranged spouses and consular help in fighting cases in the foreign land, reported PTI. Earlier in September, the Delhi High Court also expressed concern over this matter and sought the response of various ministries on it. -Sowmya Sangam
Read More
UK-Based Author Creates Cookbook with Indian Recipes November 26, 2018 06:31
An Indian-origin author launches a new cookbook in the United Kingdom and India, aiming at time-poor people who want to recreate a true taste of India in their kitchens. Mallika Basu's 'Masala: Indian Cooking for Modern Living', was launched in the UK a few months ago and in India this month. It takes a fresh look at family favorite recipes, untangling and updating them for busy home cooks. Basu, the granddaughter of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, believes there is no reason to shy away from shortcuts. "I openly recommend ready shortcuts like packs of roti, jars of pickle. When you're rushing around you need to pick your battles. There is no shame in that," the London-based communications professional-cum-food writer says. "I have divided the chapters by moments like quick fixes, slow feasts, big platters and, of course, brunch, in a nod to our nation's love of breakfast. You don't have to be an expert at all, in fact, I am quite honest about my failings in the kitchen. I am a home cook who is trying to get wholesome recipes, simply and as often as possible on the table," she says. Dishes from All over India Basu has been writing about Indian food for more than a decade and found herself simplifying recipes to fit with her busy life and present-day kitchen. "So many Indian cookbooks are based on nostalgia and what our grandmothers and mothers did, and yet our lives have changed so much. I wanted to create a cookbook that reflects the way we live, cook, eat and entertain today, and a very contemporary Indian design aesthetic," she explains. The dishes selected for her new book are favorites from her family home in Kolkata, and her mother's Delhi and Afghani heritage, as well as some newer ones she fell in love with on her recent tours to India. The dishes are from all over India, with simplicity being the key factor that binds them together. "The book is a very personal one that mirrors my own upbringing and learning. I was brought up in an unconventional home with flavors from around India and beyond making it into our kitchen. All of this unconventional thinking, deep love and detailed understanding has made its way into 'Masala'," she says. Packed with Practical Tips In reference to Britain's own love affair with Indian food, Basu welcomes the increasing admiration of the food of different parts of India but acknowledges a certainly limited view of the complication of the country's cuisine. Read: Kolkata-Born Scientist Rahul Mandal Wins UK's Popular Baking Show She says, "There is still a giant post-colonial hangover in the way Indian food is described and viewed...there is no such thing as curry in India, it simply means gravy/sauce, and that the curry house and 'Indian' takeaway food you get in the UK bears little resemblance to what we eat. In fact, it was developed specifically for the British palate and is British food rather than anything else." Basu's cookery book is packed with practical tips and tricks from busy mundane cooks, including recipe hacks that save time and effort, smart ways to merge vegetables into meals, creative ways to use grains and pulses, tips on fermentation and a sizeable troubleshooting section. After the promotion in the UK, Basu is presently preparing for a series of talks and book signings in India in January 2019. -Sowmya Sangam
Read More
Sabarimala Row: Kerala Police Issue Warning to NRIs Inciting Riots November 21, 2018 05:31
Amid irrepressible protests in Kerala over Sabarimala temple, now warning has been issued to Non-Resident Indians who have allegedly been inciting riots and fermenting trouble over the Sabarimala issue. A notice issued by the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner says that NRIs found spreading instability about the Sabarimala issue through social media posts and voice notes will have their passports canceled, and be forced to return to India. The notice says, "It has come to our notice that posts and voice messages calling for riot with the intention of creating instability are being spread through social media in connection with Sabarimala pilgrimage. Those who spread these messages will be booked under non-bailable sections. The cyber cell of the police has collected details of those who are spreading such malicious messages from abroad. Legal action has been taken to cancel their passports and to make them return to the state." Related content: Sabarimala: SC Agrees to Hear Review Petitions on Jan 22 When TNM asked the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner P Prakash IPS (Indian Police Service) about the reasons for which the notice had been issued, he said, "The circular was given to address Sabarimala-related provocative voice notes videos and photos, and social media posts, it says those sending such things will have strict action taken against them." When pressed about the reason for including the warning to foreign nationals about their passports being canceled for indulging in such activities, he said, "It is on the basis of the DGP's circular. We have written like this because the highest number of such posts are coming from abroad, and [it needs to be known] that strict action will be taken against them. Their passports will be canceled and a case taken up against them." He reiterated, "This is a criminal case, it will be taken up in that matter. Hence the circular was given as an advance warning." The notice is being circulated on social media and causing some indignation with those who align themselves to Save Sabarimala protests alleging that this was a restraint strategy of the Kerala police. Even NRIs are threatened by saying that their PP will be cancelled. Utter Chaos. Govt must enquire and take action against city police Commissioner, Tiruvanathapuram. #SaveSabarimala https://t.co/ib3n2C4MEF cc @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/6VNTE4dqAC — Puushothman Vaikkath (@purushueme) November 20, 2018 Hope MEA will assure safety of NRIs. I cannot afford cancellation of my passport. Should I renounce Indian citizenship for living as an Ayyappa Devotee & stand with my temple Sushma ji @SushmaSwaraj ? https://t.co/uXcSWSbd37 — Anjali George (@Kuvalayamala) November 20, 2018 -Sowmya Sangam
Read More
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect Work Authorization of H-1B Spouses November 17, 2018 09:04
The H-4 Employment Protection Act, a legislation seeking to stop Trump administration from revoking the work authorization of spouses of H1-B visa holders, which include Indians, has been introduced in the United States Congress by…
Read More
Dust From Middle East Affects Indian Summer Monsoon: Study November 16, 2018 07:18
A study has found that dust and soot transported from the deserts of the Middle East settle on the snow cover of the Himalaya mountain range, affecting the intensity of the summer monsoon in India.…
Read More
Tips for NRIs Before Making Real Estate Investment in India November 12, 2018 07:02
International Indians are major contributors to Indian forex reserves through investments and payments in several Indian asset classes, of which real estate investments form a crucial chunk. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), too, have always found investing…
Read More
U.S. Says Will Take Public Opinion On H-4 Visa Revocation Proposal November 09, 2018 12:35
The Trump administration has made it certain to lawmakers and the American corporate sector that the people would get a chance to respond to its proposal of revoking work authorization to H-4 spouse visas after…
Read More
India Should Have Long-Term Visas Like U.S.: KJ Alphons November 08, 2018 07:36
The tourism ministry is in negotiations with the home ministry to have the time period of electronic (e) visas for India extended and bring it closer to paper visas that let visitors stay for longer…
Read More
Big Fat Indian Wedding Eases Entry in U.S. for Indian Spouses November 06, 2018 05:25
A big fat Indian wedding consistently persuades the United States consulate officials in India that the marriage was genuine and the bride was not soliciting for a U.S. green card. Kavita Dixit (name changed), whose…
Read More
Galore Indians Apply for Passports as UAE Extends Amnesty Deadline November 02, 2018 11:48
Indian residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a great extent have applied for short validity passport under the visa amnesty scheme which has been prolonged for a month. According to a report in…
Read More
