NRI Top Stories ( Page 17 of 30 )

Indian-origin man drives solar auto-rickshaw from India to UK! September 14, 2016 05:06

To create awareness about alternative mobility solutions using renewable energy for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries, an Indian-origin engineer Naveen Rabelli drove 10,000km on a solar-powered auto-rickshaw from India to London. The auto had set off from Bengaluru in February. It is also known as 'tuk-tuk' in some parts of the world 35 years old Rabelli reached at Dover ferry crossing in the UK, days later than expected because he was robbed during a toilet break as he approached the ferry crossing from France. The diesel-powered auto-rickshaw cost him $1,500 to buy. He spent an additional $11,500 to get it ready for the zero-emission adventure titled 'Tejas'. The Times of India reported, Rabelli, who refused to let the robbery in France get him down, explained that, "The purpose of this journey is to create awareness of alternative mobility solutions for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries using renewable energy - mix of solar and electricity." "My passport and wallet were stolen when I parked to go to the toilet at a fast food restaurant at Sarcelles, about 45 km west of Paris. I reported it to the police, where there were some language issues but after a few hours they found an officer who could speak English. They are very helpful and sorry when they heard that I was about to finish my trip," he added. India-born Rabelli was able to acquire an emergency travel document and complete his journey. He now holds an Australian passport. "The aim was to highlight an entirely Indian solution to the world and show the benefits of using a prototype that is reliable, feasible and affordable," said Rabelli. The specially-modified auto rickshaw is equipped with a bed, food cupboard and solar-powered cooker. It was shipped from India to Bandar Abbas in Iran from where he kick-started the overland mission to drive through Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France before arriving in the UK. Also Read: NRI gives Sushma Swaraj Rs 1 crore cheque for a cleaner India! Nandini

NRI gives Sushma Swaraj Rs 1 crore cheque for a cleaner India! September 10, 2016 09:24

An Abu Dhabi-based NRI doctor given a cheque for Rs 1 crore to the External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for India, becoming 'Swachh Bharat,' and becoming a bigger economic player on the world stage go hand in hand. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil said that, "If India needs to emerge a strong nation globally, its workforce should be healthy. This can happen only when the population is healthy and disease-free. It is my strong conviction that Swachh Bharat will accelerate the process of creating healthy citizens." India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI) a non-profit government trust currently chaired by Swaraj that invites NRIs, PIOs, and OCI card holders to donate to development projects in India. Valayil, who in 2007 founded VPS Healthcare, a group of hospitals, medical centres and pharmaceutical businesses in the UAE, said that, "With high productivity and less absenteeism, soon India will be in a trajectory of accelerated economic development." In a video message to overseas Indians uploaded to the Ministry of External Affairs' Twitter page Indian Diplomacy, Swaraj said that, "This money isn't just a donation. It's a way to connect to your roots. It's a way to repay your debt to your motherland. It's a way to express your emotional attachment to your country." Nandini

Indian-American student recites painful poetry of replacement of Tamil with English at White House! September 10, 2016 07:17

The sizeable audience at the White House was attracted towards an Indian-American girl Maya Eashwaran when she recited a poem about her experience as an immigrant and how it was painful to replace her mother tongue Tamil with English. The event was also attended by the First Lady Michelle Obama, who felicitated Maya Eashwaran and four others, including another Indian-American, Gopal Raman, as part of the prestigious National Student Poets in recognition of their poetry skills. Maya, 17, concluded, reading her poetry, "I have lost more than I have ever lost in sixteen years. I have started shedding ethnicity like hair. Mother, I fear I'll go bald." "Ma, I haven't spoken (Tamil) in three years," she recited, amidst applause from the audience. "Maya - where's Maya? You put it best. These are your words, I'm told: "On the stage, there is no way to leave unnoticed. Did you say that?" the First Lady asked. Maya, born in the US to Tamil parents, said that, "My family is Tamil. I was born here. I write a lot of my poems based on my culture, my heritage." "The poem that I actually read at the White House is based on experience of losing my mother tongue and kind of replacing it with another, which is very painful thing to imagine to go through," she said. Gopal, 17, the other Indian-American budding poet who received national attention, lives in Dallas, said that, "It (love with poetry) started in seventh grade. I had a really great English teacher. He really pushed me in writing in more creative way. I choose poetry as my avenue of writing." "I am super honoured to meet the First Lady," he said. "I also want to plan for pre-med. My dream job right now is some sort of medical doctor" he added. "This is the last time that we're going to have the pleasure of welcoming a class of National Student Poets to the White House, at least under this administration. So I'm feeling a little melancholy here, because this has truly been an honor and a privilege and a joy," the First Lady said. She said when they came here, they wanted to use "this incredible platform of the White House to inspire young people to dream really big for themselves, to think about what their lives could look like beyond what their everyday existence is like." Also Read: MEA launches registration module for Indian students abroad! Nandini

MEA launches registration module for Indian students abroad! September 09, 2016 06:00

The Ministry of External Affairs launched a registration module for the Indian students studying abroad, so they could be reached in case of emergency. The move has came in the wake of the absence of any data on Indian students studying abroad. The Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj tweeted, "We have no data of Indian students studying abroad. We have therefore, started a Students Registration Module on madad.gov.in/." "I request all Indian students to register themselves on this module. This will be of immense help," she added. "In case of any emergency, our Embassy will be able to reach you. While abroad - Indian Embassy is your family," she said in a series of tweets. On the other hand, the business insider reported that, the number of Indian students going abroad for under-graduate and post-graduate studies is expected to increase by up to 50% over the next five years. Rohan Pasari, Co-founder and CEO of Cialfo, a Singapore-based education technology firm, said that, "We see, conservatively, a 50% increase in Indian students going to the US and UK for under-grad and post-grad studies over the next five years. This is strongly supported by the growing disposal income of their families." Also Read: NRI architect launches bamboo structure design in Australia! Nandini

Indra Nooyi 2nd most powerful woman in Fortune list! September 09, 2016 04:43

Indian-origin Indra Nooyi, the CEO and chairman of PepsiCo is the 2nd most powerful woman in Fortune's 51 Most Powerful Women list, which is topped by the CEO and chairman of General Motors Mary Barra. The Fortune 2016 list list includes 22 CEOs of major companies and many more corner office contenders across industries. It has nine newcomers and one return candidate. The only Indian-origin woman in Fortune list, Nooyi is now in her 10th year as CEO. She "shows no signs of slowing down," Fortune said. Over the past 12 months, PepsiCo's market capitalisation has increased 18 per cent to $155 billion, even as international volatility hit 2015 earnings. PepsiCo's 2015 sales dropped 5 per cent, while its profits declined 13 per cent. Fortune said that, "Investors seem to have faith that Nooyi's push towards healthier food and drink offerings will pay off, and they like the $63 billion company's $3 billion cost cut over the past three years too." Adding to this, some think more acquisitions in the health space may come soon, as Nooyi further diversifies out of the declining soda category. Mary Barra retained the Fortune's Most Powerful Woman tag after a year of "dramatic improvement" at the $152.4 billion in revenues of the auto giant. Fortune added that, "She ably steered GM through the ignition switch crisis that hit in 2014, made the tough decision to end operations in Russia, and invested in ride-sharing company Lyft and she posted record profits in 2015 of USD 9.7 billion." According to the lsit, the top 10 most powerful women are Marillyn Hewson of Lockheed Martin (3rd ) Ginni Rometty of IBM (4th), Abigail Johnson of Fidelity Investments (5th), Facebook's COO Sheryl Sandberg (6th), Meg Whitman of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (7th), General Dynamics' Phebe Novakovic (8th), Irene Rosenfeld of Mondelez International (9th) and Safra Catz Co-CEO, Oracle at the 10th place. While, Singing diva Beyonce earned 51st position in the coveted list. "Not only did she make music history by becoming the first female artist to have 12 songs on the Billboard top 100 (all on her sixth album, Lemonade), but she also made waves in the business world too," Fortune said. She launched the athleisure clothing brand Ivy Park in April. "While the venture is her first major foray outside the music world, Beyonce is no stranger to being the boss," Fortune added. Also Read: Indo-Japanese crowned Miss Japan! Nandini

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