NRI Top Stories ( Page 19 of 32 )

Indo-Japanese crowned Miss Japan! September 07, 2016 05:14

An Indo-Japanese girl Priyanka Yoshikawa with an Indian father and a Japanese mother was crowned Miss Japan. The 22-year-old Yoshikawa's victory comes year after Ariana Miyamoto faced an ugly backlash for becoming the first black woman to represent Japan. AFP reported, Ms. Yoshikawa said that, "Before Ariana, haafu girls, the Japanese for "half", a word used to describe mixed race couldn't represent Japan." "That's what I thought too. I didn't doubt it or challenge it until this day. Ariana encouraged me a lot by showing me and showing all mixed girls the way," she said. She was born to an Indian father and a Japanese mother in Tokyo. "I think it means we have to let it in," she said when asked what it signified for her and Miyamoto to break down cultural barriers. "We are Japanese. Yes, I'm half Indian and people are asking me about my 'purity' yes, my dad is an Indian and I'm proud of it, I'm proud that I have Indian in me. But that does not mean I'm not Japanese." Ms. Yoshikawa said that, "I know a lot of people who are haafu and suffer." "We have problems, we've been struggling and it hurts. When I came back to Japan, everyone thought I was a germ," she added. "Like, if they touched me they would be touching something bad. But I'm thankful because that made me really strong." "When I'm abroad, people never ask me what mix I am," said Ms. Yoshikawa, who earned her elephant trainer's license recently. "As Miss Japan, hopefully I can help change perceptions so that it can be the same here too. The number of people with mixed race is only going to increase, so people have to accept it." "There was a time as a kid when I was confused about my identity," she admitted. "But I've lived in Japan so long now I feel Japanese." Also Read: Indian-origin software industry veteran becomes CEO of US firm! Nandini

Indian-origin software industry veteran becomes CEO of US firm! August 31, 2016 07:10

An Indian-origin software industry veteran, Ajei Gopal, has been named CEO of a leading US company, Pennsylvania-based ANSYS. It produces engineering simulation software used for testing product designs across a wide spectrum of industries including rockets and wearable technology. A 25-year technology industry veteran, Ajei Gopal, 54 will take his position from January 1 next year. Gopal, an IIT Bombay alumnus has served as a member of the ANSYS Board since 2011, has been appointed president and chief operating officer of the company effective immediately and will continue to serve on the Board. James Cashman will become Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective from January 2017. He has served as ANSYS' Chief Executive Officer since 2000. Gopal began his career as a member of the technical staff at Bell Communications Research. He has served as interim president and COO at California-based technology company Symantec, leading the company through the recruitment of a permanent CEO. He was also a senior vice president and general manager at Hewlett-Packard from 2011 and has worked at IBM from 1991 to 2000. The company said having Gopal on board is "a huge win for ANSYS". "I have no doubt that his outstanding leadership, unique perspective and appreciation for ANSYS' culture, people and organization make him the right choice to serve as our next leader during this exciting time," Cashman said. Gopal said he was "honoured" to lead ANSYS. "I am committed to building on our standard of excellence and pushing the boundaries of innovation to help customers solve their most complex design challenges," he said. Also Read: Indian-origin boy found treatment for breast cancer! Nandini

Indian-origin boy found treatment for breast cancer! August 29, 2016 04:07

An Indian-origin boy Krtin Nithiyanandam, has claimed that, he found the treatment for the most deadly form of breast cancer which is unresponsive to drugs. The 16-year-old boy hopes he has found a way to turn so-called triple negative breast cancer into a kind which responds to drugs. The teenager was moved to the United Kingdom from India with his parents, Many breast cancers are driven by oestrogen, progesterone or growth chemicals, so drugs that can block those fuels, like tamoxifen, make effective treatments. Although, triple negative breast cancer does not have receptors and it can only be treated with a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy which lowers the chance of survival. The Times of India reported, Krtin said that, "I've been basically trying to work out a way to change difficult-to-treat cancers into something that responds well to treatment. Most cancers have receptors on their surface which bind to drugs like Tamoxifen but triple negative don't have receptors so the drugs don't work." "The prognosis for women with undifferentiated cancer isn't very good so the goal is to turn the cancer back to a state where it can be treated. The ID4 protein actually stops undifferentiated stem cell cancers from differentiating so you have to block ID4 to allow the cancer to differentiate," he said. "I have found a way to silence the genes that produce ID4 which turns cancer back into a less dangerous state," Krtin said. He has also developed that upping the activity of a tumour-suppressor gene called PTEN allows chemotherapy to work more effectively, so the dual treatment could prove far more effective than traditional drugs. He was shortlisted for his therapy idea in the final of the UK-based young scientists programme 'The Big Bang Fair'. NRI plans 32,000 km road trip from UK to India! Nandini

NRI plans 32,000 km road trip from UK to India! August 27, 2016 04:48

The British citizen of Indian origin Bharulata Kamble is set to go on a 32,000 km road trip through 32 countries in approximately 75 days all by herself. The motive of Kamble'trip is to break stereotypes as well as raise awareness about women's equality while setting a neat world record. The drive also include a 2,200 km journey around the Arctic Circle. If successful, she will be the only woman driver to have covered the maximum distance in the Arctic region alone. The Times of India reported, Kamble will also drive down the Silk Route between China and the Middle East during the trip. Kamble said that, "It will be a rediscovery of this old trade route which played a significant role in the development of the entire region, but has since been neglected due to modern means of trade and transport." "I have always loved driving but to undertake such a long journey is also a big responsibility. Moreover, as we began planning the journey, I came to realize that if I do set the record, I would be representing two nations the UK where I am a citizen, and India, my native country," Kamble said. Kamble also aims to represent and support the Indian government's 'Save Girls, Educate Girls' (Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao) campaign as well. "To ensure that during this long journey we still have some family time, my husband and sons will fly out once a week to meet me while I am driving around Europe. Later, I will see them at the end of my journey in India," she explained. "I will end my drive in my husband's hometown Raigad district, as my husband hails from there," Kamble confirmed. Also Read: NRI architect launches bamboo structure design in Australia! Nandinia

MEA launched Revamped scholarship for children of NRIs, PIOs August 26, 2016 03:59

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched a revamped scholarship programme for children of NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) to pursue under-graduate courses in Indian universities and institutions. According to the ministry, the Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) has been extended from 40 to 66 countries, including 17 ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries. The number of scholarships for the 'Children of Indian Workers' in ECR countries has also been increased from 100 to 150. These 50 increased slots, one-third are reserved for children of Indian workers in ECR countries studying in India. Income criteria would be applicable to all categories of students. The children of PIOs and NRIs will be eligible to pursue under-graduate courses in Indian universities and institutes in a range of fields except medical and related courses under SPDC. The scholarship includes the tuition fee, admission fee and post admission services such as hostel fee but excluding payment of food charges. The MEA said that, "The revamped SPDC is now in place from academic year 2016-17." The scholarship will be offered to pursue courses in central universities, institutions accredited 'A' Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council and in a number of other institutions, including Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). A government has developed a portal spdcindia.gov.in to process applications for the scholarship. The deadline to submit applications online is September 23. Also Read: Indian-origin philanthropist named London deputy mayor! Nandini

Indian-origin philanthropist named London deputy mayor! August 24, 2016 05:05

An Indian-origin philanthropist has been named as the deputy for environment and energy of the London mayor Sadiq Khan. Shirley Rodrigues will be responsible for establishing a not-for-profit company aimed at enhancing recycling rates and producing low carbon energy. Mr. Khan said in a statement that, "Shirley Rodrigues brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and is the perfect person to deliver my agenda to make London a cleaner and greener city. Shirley will drive forward the urgent action needed to ensure Londoners no longer have to fear the air we breathe and will address the failure to tackle the problem by the previous mayor and government." "I am sure she will be a fantastic addition to my top team, taking on a crucial portfolio that has become an issue of life and death," he said. Earlier, in the last month, Indian-origin Rajesh Agarwal was appointed to the business portfolio to the Khan's team. Rodrigues becomes the second deputy mayor of Indian origin to join the minister's team. Rodrigues said that, "I am delighted to be working with Sadiq on his ambitious plans to make London one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world." "Sadiq has already proposed a radical and wide-ranging approach to clean up London's dirty air and I feel privileged to be able to lead on this vital piece of work that will boost the quality of life and health for millions of Londoners," she said. Rodrigues was born in Kenya but traces her family roots back to Goa. She is currently the Acting Executive Director for Climate Change at the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). It is an independent philanthropic organization which works to transform the lives of poor and vulnerable children in developing countries, where she oversees a 155-million-pounds global strategy and portfolio. Also Read: Indian-origin Pramila Jayapal wins Washington open primary! Nandini

4 PIOs among US' top wealth advisors: Forbes August 05, 2016 06:41

The Forbes's list of America's top wealth advisors includes four persons of Indian-origin. They are among 200 members named in the list who collectively manage $675 billion. The Forbes 2016 'America's Top Wealth Advisors' list contains Raj Sharma and Ash Chopra both working in Merrill Lynch-Private Banking & Investment Group ranked 17th and 129 respectively. While Sonny Kothari of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is placed at number 176 and Raju Pathak of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management has been ranked 184. According to the Forbes, the 200 members on the list serve clients that range from Silicon Valley billionaires, Wall Street titans to small business owners and family fortunes. Forbes said that, "Most great fortunes have their roots in hard work, brilliant business decisions or savvy investing somewhere along the way (more often than not all three), but once the money is made, growing, preserving and passing it on to the next generation becomes paramount." "That's where a wealth advisor can come in handy." "Each of the 200 advisors on the list have one thing in common: they are trusted to handle the money of wealthy individuals and families, and will do whatever it takes to keep that trust," Forbes said. Also Read: Indian-origin Pramila Jayapal wins Washington open primary! Nandini

Indian-origin Pramila Jayapal wins Washington open primary! August 04, 2016 07:06

Indian-origin Pramila Jayapal has swept the 7th Congressional District in the Washington state. She could make the history if she wins the November general election. If wins, Jayapal will be the first woman from the community to enter the United States House of Representatives. A Chennai-born Malayali, Ms. Jayapal moved to the United States in 1982 as a student. She drifted into politics through her campaigns for the rights of women and immigrants after a stint on the Wall Street. The present member of the State Senate, Jayapal has spearheaded legislation favouring workers and immigrants, and expanding voting rights. "Thank you so much to the voters of the 7th Congressional District! You have fueled the flame of our movement with the clear belief that we together can and will reclaim our government to work for all of us!" Indian-American Jayapal said after the results. “We’re building a movement that can clearly stake out a positive vision for the future of America at a time when too many people feel cynical about change, and when too many people are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table,” she said. “Pramila is not afraid to take on powerful special interests. She’s fought for immigrant rights, opposed the war in Iraq, and worked to protect Social Security. She’s also running her campaign with our political revolution,” Bernie Sanders had said in an e-mail to donors during her primaries campaign. Also Read: Indian-American appointed as New York's chief digital officer! Nandini

Indian-American appointed as New York's chief digital officer! August 03, 2016 05:19

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has appointed an eminent Indian-American digital media expert Sree Sreenivasan as the new chief digital officer of the city. Sreenivasan will work on promoting access to local government through technology and support its tech ecosystem. Mayor Bill de Blasio said that, "To move our city’s digital ecosystem into the 21st century, we need to ensure our city’s resources are at the fingertips of every New Yorker. With Sree Sreenivasan’s wealth of experience, I am confident that he will work to promote transparency, access, and progressive values with our digital tools, helping spread access across the five boroughs." Previously, Sreenivasan has served as the first chief digital officer at the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art's and at Columbia University as well. The mayor's office said in a statement that, Indian-origin Sreenivasan has also been a mayoral appointee on the Commission on Public Information and Communication (COPIC) since October 2015, where he helped the public in obtaining access to city information and helped develop strategies for the use of new communications technologies to improve access to, and distribution of city data. Reacting to the appointment Srinivasan said that, "It's a real honor for me to serve as the CDO of the world's greatest city." "There are so many opportunities to extend the Mayor’s Digital Playbook, collaborate closely across various sectors and help bring more startups here. I will draw on what I've learned working in four critical NYC industries: education, media, arts and culture, and nonprofits, and look forward to building on the great work of my predecessor Jessica Singleton and her predecessor, Rachel Haot." he added. Also Read: Indian-origin scientist leads team to develop drones that navigate like birds Nandini

Telangana set to launch exclusive portal for NRIs! July 29, 2016 04:18

The government of Telangana State of India is all set to launch an exclusive portal for non-resident Indians (NRIs) as part of its proposed NRI policy. The government is also planning to open a 'Centre for Non-Resident Telanganites' Affairs' in all districts, state cabinet Minister K T Rama Rao announced. The state minister for IT, Industries and NRI affairs, Mr. Rao held a meeting with stakeholders in this regard. The meeting was intended to seeking suggestions for the proposed 'NRI Policy' of the state. Rao said that, "We will be launching an exclusive portal for NRIs with information and online services. We are already conducting skill development initiatives for people who want to migrate in search of livelihood." "We will be building a database of migrants from Telangana to various countries. This will help in speedy resolution of issues, if any and district level offices would be opened for CENTA - Centre for Non Resident Telanganites' Affairs," he said. According to the minister, a special officer would be appointed to assist NRIs who wish to invest in Telangana and they will also establish a Corpus Fund intended for the welfare of NRIs. Also Read: New Kerala budget offers sops for diaspora! Nandini

New Kerala budget offers sops for diaspora! July 09, 2016 07:45

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac presented the revised budget in the Kerala assembly, which provides an increased allocation for the diaspora across world. The 'alteration memorandum' of the state budget was presented by the state finance minister, as the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Pinarayi Vijayan government assumed office on May 25 this year. "At present there is an allocation of just Rs 1 lakh in the welfare fund for the return diaspora, and I am increasing it to Rs 10 crore. This is meant to increase the benefits paid out to the needy," said Isaac. The minister also decided to double the allocation from Rs 12 crore to Rs 24 crore in the scheme for rehabilitation of those who have returned. "The previous government had begun a loan scheme jointly with financial institutions for the diaspora who wish to start a business. But that programme failed to take off due to nonpayment of back-end subsidy upfront. We will ensure that the back-end subsidy is paid up front," he said. "There are two sections of our diaspora: Those who seek a rehabilitation once they are here, and the other group that is looking to invest and also seeking jobs. We are planning special parks where the diaspora can invest," Isaac added. Also Read: Odisha set to launch online Odia courses for diaspora! Nandini

Government gears up to help distressed women in NRI marriage! July 08, 2016 05:45

The government is all set to establish a committee to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to be followed while dealing with cases of NRI men abandoning their wives. The move has been taken after plenty of such complaints were received by the Women and Child Development Ministry. The Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj regarding the issue and requested her to create a joint committee to set up an SOP. Gandhi tweeted "Met EAM @SushmaSwaraj ji and discussed the issue of women in distress on account of NRI marriages. Have requested @SushmaSwaraj ji to set up a joint group to develop a standard operating procedure to tackle the problems of these women." "WCD will proactively work with Indian missions in foreign countries to resolve the situations that these women are in," she said. "A joint committee with one Joint Secretary each from Home Ministry, Ministry of External Affairs and Women and Child Development Ministry will be constituted within this week. SOP will be developed within a month's time," a senior WCD Ministry official said. The officials added that, once the SOP is developed, it will be shared with multiple missions around the world. "We have received several such cases but we often found ourselves handicapped, even for as small a thing as serving summons to the perpetrator. So, we thought we will develop SOP so that Indian missions become proactively engaged in this issue. Once SOP is made, Indian missions will have the responsibility to more vigorously take up these cases." Also Read: Odisha set to launch online Odia courses for diaspora! Nandini