NRI Top Stories ( Page 36 of 46 )

US names peak Mt Sinha after Indian origin scientist July 02, 2014 18:01

Eminent Indian-American scientist Akhouri Sinha got a rare honour from the US. A mountain peak in Antarctica was named Mt. Sinha after him. Sinha had done pioneering biological research expedition in the frozen continent has provided valuable data related to animal populations. Sinha is an adjunct professor in University of Minnesota in the department of genetics, cell biology and development. The US Geological Survey recognized his work as an explorer and named the mountain Mt Sinha honouring the eminent scientist. Sinha and his team undertook population studies of seals, whales and birds and catalogued the same. population studies of seals, whales and birds in the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas. The research team used US Coast Guard Cutters Southwind and Glaciers in 1972 and 1974 for their project. Mt Sinha, with a height of 990 m, is located in the southeast extreme of Erickson Bluffs, in southern part of McDonald Heights. The peak overlooks lower Kirkpatrick Glacier in the north, in Marie Byrd Land. The decision to name the peak after Sinha was taken by the US Geological Survey and the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN). (Picture Source: intoday.in ) (AW: Pratima Tigga)

Indian-American dentist case: Rashmi Patel fights to keep license June 19, 2014 16:18

An Indian-American dentist Dr Rashmi Patel appeared before the State Dental Commission in Hartford Connecticut in a lawsuit to get back his license on Wednesday. Patel's license was suspended following the death of a patient under his care. Judith Gan was undergoing a dental treatment at Patel's Enfield family dental when she died, following which his license was suspended in April. The 64-year-old patient was getting dental implants and 20 teeth extracted. Gan, Gan of Ellington, had a heart attack during the dental treatment after which she died. The victim was rushed to a hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, but she could not be saved. In the first day of hearing, attorney David Tilles of Department of Public Health questioned the competence of the dentist who continues with his dental work when the patient is going through a severe crisis. It's the responsibility of any dentist to recognize the health problems of the patient under his care. According to investigators at one instance Patel's dental assistants asked him to stop and administer emergency medication. But he ignored their pleas. This was not the lone incident. Another of his patient almost choked to death during a dental procedure in December. The 55-year-old man, was under conscious sedation and almost choked to death on a throat pack. Other allegations against Patel includes allowing more than five medications to expire. Patel's defence attorneys said that he had performed 50,000 to 75,000 dental procedures in his long career. But his decision making in two cases is being used to put a halt to his practice and mar his reputation. The attorneys contend that all allegations against him are false and that the witnesses and evidences against him are not credible. Defence attorney Michael Kogut said that the charges against Patel are not supported by medical and empirical data. After the proceedings, Patel said he would be vindicated when evidences will be presented. Next hearing of the Dr Rashmi Patel case is scheduled for July 16. (AW: Pratima Tigga)

10-year-old Indian prodigy is youngest US high school graduate June 13, 2014 17:20

Can you name the youngest high school graduate in US. Meet Tanishq Abraham, a 10-year-old Indian-origin genius, who surprised everyone by graduating high school in the US. Tanishq, from Sacramento, in California, was awarded his high school diploma on Sunday at a private ceremony held at California Auto Museum. He has been home-schooled since he was 7 years old. In March, Abraham cleared a state exam, certifying him to have achieved the appropriate academic standards to receive the diploma. Abraham is ambitious and harbours dream of becoming the president of US one day. He's excited at being given his diploma. But it had been hard work all along and he's very happy that finally he has graduated high school, said Abraham. Since he was 7-years-old, Abraham had been taking community college classes and scored well on the SATs. After getting his diploma Abraham said that he would finish community college by next semester. That will give him an associate's degree and he can transfer to university, he added. Abraham is interested in studying medicine at UC Davis. When Abraham was in kindergarten, he realized his special gift. The little boy could read books meant for second and third graders. He even had enhanced maths skill and could solve problems ment for second and third graders, according to Abraham. Abraham is fascinated by science and wants to be a scientist or doctor, but he also want to be the US president. (AW: Pratima Tigga)

Indian male nurse assaulted in UAE for having 'smiling face' June 10, 2014 17:59

People are usually happy to see a smiling face. But an Indian male nurse realised that his smiling face could land him with a few blows and hospitalisation. An Indian male nurse serving at a UAE hospital was assaulted by five men for allegedly being amused at the death of their relative. The unnamed man in his 30s was beaten up severely by five local youths in Sharjah's Al Qassimi Hospital, in UAE. The youths saw the smiling face of the male nurse and thought that he was laughing at them. A case has been registered against the five local residents by police, who described the victim as "a smiling face" man. The unsuspecting victim suffered bruises and had to be admitted in the surgical department of the hospital. The unnamed male nurse failed to offer help to a woman who fell on the ground after the death of her relative, according to reports. Following which the five young Emirati men hit the male nurse thinking that he was amused at the woman's fall. The hospital authorities have confirmed the incident. Footage of the surveillance camera has been handed over to the police by the hospital management for further investigation. (AW: Pratima Tigga)

Hinduja brothers richest in Britain May 12, 2014 17:47

Indian origin business tycoons Hinduja brothers have emerged as Britain's richest billionaires. The Hinduja brothers, who have been valued at £11.9 billion, beat Russian magnate Alisher Usmanov and steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal and figure at the top of the list. Prepared by The Sunday Times, the annual list of UK's super rich is scheduled to be released next Sunday. However, the preview figures suggest that the Hindujas based in London would emerge on top as their fortunes have seen an estimated jump of £1.3 billion. According to figures compiled by The Sunday Times, Gopichand and Srichand Hinduja have a fortune valued at £11.9 billion. The London-based Hindujas run a multinational Hinduja Group conglomerate and have interests in automotive, real estate and oil industries. Russian business chief Alisher Usmanov would be placed in the second rank after his estimated fortune fell to £10.65 billion. Kolkata-born Lakshmi N Mittal will feature in the third place with his fortune valued at £10.25 billion. His business concerns registered growth in profit by £250 million from what he had last year. According to this year's The Sunday Times' list London figures at the top when it comes to the maximum number of billionaires in the world. The newspaper revealed that currently there are 104 billionaires based in the UK and their combined wealth adds to over £301 billion. (Picture Source: gg2.net)(AW: Pratima Tigga)

Don Bradman scholarship for Indian-origin Australian student May 08, 2014 17:33

Indian-origin Australian student beat 60 other applicants to win the Don Bradman scholarship. The 23-year-old student was chosen for the prestigious educational scholarship for displaying qualities held by the cricket legend. The scholarship, named after Sir Don Bradman, is awarded to students who display a balance of educational excellence, sporting ability and community involvement. Amit Balgi, a third year dental science at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) in New South Wales, will be provided with USD 4,670 annually towards educational expenses for the remaining three years at his university. Balgi said that he loves cricket and is a great fan of Sir Don Bradman. He had even contemplated taking up cricked as a career. He feels lucky to be selected for the prestigious educational scholarship. The recipient of the scholarship was finalised by a panel that included Bradman Foundation chairman Maurice Newman, former Australian prime minister John Howard, the foundation's executive director, Rina Hore and 2008 Bradman Scholar David Miller. (Picture Source: ndtv.com)(AW: Pratima Tigga)

3 NRIs convicted in $15 million fraud case May 01, 2014 17:48

A federal jury in the US has convicted three Indian medical professionals bor being a part of a $15 million medicare fraud scheme in the country. The three NRIs include 30-year-old physical therapy assistant Jigar Patel, 43-year-old physical therapist Shahzad Mirza and 38-year-old foreign medical school graduate Srinivas Reddy, who doesn't hold a license to practice medicine. Acting assistant attorney general David A O'Neil of criminal division in justice department said that each of them have been found guilty of conspiring to commit health care fraud related to a medicare scheme that was active in the period between July 2008 to September 2011. The scheme was functional at healthcare facilities in Detroit. Besides, Patel and Mirza were found guilty of two counts of health care fraud. The duo had submitted false claims to federal insurance programme medicare for home health services. Reddy was convicted of three counts of health care fraud for submitting false claims connected to physician home visits. Moreover, Patel was also found guilty of one count of money laundering via MI Healthcare Staffing, which he owns. During the trial evidence suggested that the beneficiaries pre-signed medical paperwork that was provided to Patel and other physical therapist assistants. They filled in false information showing that medical care was provided. Actually it was not provided. Mirza, Patel and others would provide their signature on the paperwork purpoting that they had provided services. (Picture Source: yespunjab.com) (AW: Pratima Tigga)

NRI to enter poll fray in Visakhapatnam April 15, 2014 15:09

London-based NRI Buddha Chandrashekhar is all set to take the poll plunge in Lok Sabha elections 2014. Chandrashekhar's decision to jump into the poll fray is due to his unhappiness with the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The NRI businessman has plans to contest elections as an independent candidate from Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency. He has already come up with a vision 2020 for the growth and development of Seemandhra, the residual state of Andhra Pradesh. The head of New World Software and former CEO of HiJobs, stated that the time is ripe for the growth of Seemandhra. He even said that he has an inclusive development plan in mind that includes a BPL Zone (reach Beach Premier League) between Kakinada and Vizag. The zone would be an area for international clubs to host events around water sports. Besides he has plans of an IT and petro zone. According to his Vision 2020, the region would have a single window clearance facility to enable smooth flow of foreign and domestic investments. Buddha Chandrashekhar , who has his roots in Visakhapatnam, is not a well-known face to people and trying hard to make his presence known through Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. (Picture Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk) (AW: Pratima Tigga)

Hindujas ranked Britain's richest Asians April 12, 2014 16:08

Hinduja brothers are the wealthiest among Asians in the United Kingdom. The Hindujas were declared Britain's richest Asians in 2014 on Friday night. The group has a total worth of 13.5 billion pounds, which is 1 billion pounds more than last year. The Hinduja Group won the outstanding achievement of Asian Business of the Year award at a grand Asian Business Awards 2014 function held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. Hinduja group co-chairman G P Hinduja received the award from the chief guest Michael Gove, MP, Britain's Secretary of State for Education. India's High Commissioner Ranjan Mathai was also present at the gala event as the guest of honour. At the event the Hinduja group was also declared the richest Asian in UK by Gove. The Hinduja group has business interests in banking, oil and manufacturing among its several ventures. This is the second consecutive year that the group topped in the Asian Rich List. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, whose wealth is valued at 12 billion pounds, was placed just behind the Hinduja Group. Swraj Paul and Angad Paul (Steel) ranked 10th in the richest list with a wealth valued at 750 million pounds. Mining giant Anil Agrawal ranked third (2.4 billion pounds) and Sri Prakash Lohia (Petrochemicals and textiles) (2 billion pounds) was placed at the fourth position. The cumulative wealth of 101 Asians, who figured in the list, is valued to be close to 52 billion pounds. (Picture Source: static5.therichestimages.com) (AW: Pratima Tigga)

US Sikhs to honour Oak Creek police officer April 09, 2014 15:11

Oak Creek police officer Brian Murphy will be honoured by a US-based Sikh organization. Murphy had displayed exemplary service and sacrifice during a shooting incident at a Wisconsin Gurudwara two years ago. During the deadly Oak Creek shooting Murphy was shot 15 times - 12 hit him while three got lodged into his protective vest. The Gurudwara shooting left six Sikh worshippers dead and three others injured. The deadly shooting took place on August 5, 2012 at the Sikh Temple of Oak Creek in Wisconsin. Guru Gobind Singh Foundation issued a statement on Tuesday saying that the first officer on the scene will be honoured with a 'seva' award on Vaisakhi Day at a Gurdwara. Inder Paul Singh Gadh, chairman of the Foundation said that the Sikh community is grateful to Murphy for his sacrifice and exemplary service in upholding law and order, and for protecting the lives of people in Oak Creek including that of the members of Sikh community in Wisconsin. Murphy's actions had been instrumental in preventing a bigger massacre of Sikhs inside the Gurdwara on the fateful day, said Gadh. Murphy, who agreed to accepted the award, will attend the ceremony with his family. The 52-year-old man is travelling from Wisconsin to Washington for the ceremony. He has recovered from his wounds. (Picture Source: thedailyworld.com ) (AW: Pratima Tigga)

Indo-Canadian businessman acquires Maharaja Ranjit Singh's sword April 07, 2014 14:43

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's sword has been acquired by Bob Dhillon, an Indo-Canadian businessman based in Calgary. The curved sword of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799-1849) is 33.5-inch long and is a part of Sikh history. The heritage sword was sold by Mullock, the London-based auction house, on April 3. Dhillon is elated to be the winner of the sword that attracted hundreds of bidders from all over the world. The price of the sword has not been revealed, but the auction house has authenticated it to be genuine. According to reports Dhillon, a real estate developer, is the first Sikh billionaire in Canada. Dhillon says that initially there were more than 700 bidders for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's sword. On April 2, a sealed bidding took place, said Dhillon. Many of the bidders wanted to remain anonymous, so a sealed bid was undertaken. And on April 3 he was informed to be the winner of the sealed bid. According to Dhillon, there were almost 175 international bidders for the prized piece of history. Dhillon, who is the president of Mainstreet Equity Corporation, didn't divulge the price he paid but he revealed that it was a substantial amount. He said that he was "absolutely elated" to have a piece of history, as Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been the greatest ruler of Punjab. (AW: Pratima Tigga)

NRI held for smuggling gold April 04, 2014 15:51

A London based NRI has been arrested for smuggling gold at the Indo-Nepal border. The man named Dipak Bajaj was taken into custody at Sonauli area near Indo-Nepal border. The man was taken into custody on Thursday night after over 4 kg gold was allegedly recovered from his possession. The gold recovered is valued to be over Rs 1.46 crore. SSB commandant K S Bankhothi said that the NRI is based in London. The 43-year-old man has been handed over to customs authorities for further interrogation. According to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), a Mumbai-based body of the Indian Commerce Ministry, gold smuggling has increased by almost 300% from March 2013 to April 2014. Smuggling of gold into the country was mainly triggered by an increase in import duty on gold jewellery that was introduced last year in June last year. Import duty on gold was increased three times by the Govertment, to rest at 15%, in order to reduce demand for the yellow metal and to rein in a current account deficit that in in 2012-13 had reached an all time high of $88bn (£53bn). (Picture Source: kaw.stb.s-msn.com) (AW: Pratima Tigga)