Tag: Indian

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New research into academic achievement of Indian students

This study aims to shed light on the factors that contribute to the educational success of the Indian community in the UK. The study is the first of its kind in the country…reports Asian Lite News

A research project led by Liverpool John Moores University research student, Sebastian Joseph, under the supervision of Dr. Judith Enriquez is seeking to engage volunteers in a bid to gain valuable insights into the academic achievement of Indian students in British schools.

This study aims to shed light on the factors that contribute to the educational success of the Indian community in the UK. The study is the first of its kind in the country.

The research initiative seeks to examine the academic performance of Indian students of various age groups and educational levels. By studying their achievements, challenges and experiences, the project aims to identify key factors influencing their educational success and provide recommendations to improve educational outcomes.

The researchers are looking for volunteers of Indian ethnic background to participate in the study by completing an online survey. The unique perspectives and experiences of the applicants will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the academic journey of Indian students.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to share their insights, make suggestions and discuss their personal experiences related to the academic achievement of Indian students in British schools. All information collected will be treated with utmost confidentiality and used for research purposes only. By taking part in this study, you will be playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education for the Indian community. Those interested can log on to https://ljmu.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/academicachievementofindianstudents for further details.

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-Top News India News USA

Indian American honored as ”Healthcare Innovation Champion”

Bera, being a first-generation American, has taken up the cause of bolstering investment in global health innovation and actively opposed budget cuts to crucial funds that aid in combating future pandemics. These efforts led to him being honored with the distinguished 2021 Congressional Champion Award…reports Asian Lite News

Ami Bera, an Indian-American Congressman, was honored with the Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award for his unwavering commitment to promoting accessible and excellent healthcare services in the United States.

Bera, the longest-serving Indian-American Representative inCongress, was felicitated during Healthcare Leadership Council Innovation Expo 23 in Washington D.C. last week.

“Honored to receive the Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award… As a doctor, I’m committed to working to ensure that every American has access to high-quality, affordable health care,” Bera wrote on Twitter.

Bera was first elected to represent Sacramento County in November 2012, and since then has served the community for more than two decades as a doctor, first as Sacramento County’s Chief Medical Officer, and then as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC Davis, where he taught the next generation of doctors to care for their patients.

As a first generation American, Bera has championed efforts to strengthen investment in global health innovation and fought proposed cuts to vital funds that help fight future pandemics, which won him the 2021 Congressional Champion Award.

He introduced the Healthcare Innovation Act, which gives states the tools to experiment with new ways to get more Americans enrolled in health insurance thus lowering costs for all as more are enrolled.

Bera has also been an unwavering champion for women’s healthcare, and received the Planned Parenthood’s Champions for Women’s Health Award in 2015 for his leadership in advancing access to reproductive healthcare.

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Social Media Tech Lite

Snapchat unveils 2 new AR lenses for Indian users

Snapchat introduces 2 new AR lenses for Indian users

Indian Gen Zs and young Millennials love to use their nicknames online, according to the research…reports Asian Lite News

Popular social media platform Snapchat on Wednesday introduced two new nickname-themed augmented reality (AR) lenses for users in the country.

The new AR lenses are– ‘India’s Top Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname’.
The ‘India’s Top Nicknames’ lens includes five bespoke designs featuring the country’s favourite nicknames, the company said in a statement.

“Not only that, for the first time, Indians can customise the ‘My Nickname’ lens to create their very own nickname.”

The new custom nickname AR experience has been purpose-built to allow users to celebrate their nicknames proudly and share it with their loved ones.

The company also released new research in partnership with YouGov on Indian nickname culture, uncovering a national fascination with nicknames.

Indian Gen Zs and young Millennials love to use their nicknames online, according to the research.

The data also revealed that over 96 per cent of Indians have had at least one nickname in their lives.

“Nicknames are such an integral part of Indian lives and given to us by our real connections- friends or family,” said Kanishk Khanna, Director, Media Partnerships- APAC, Snap.

Sonu, Babu, Macha, Shona and Pinky are amongst the most popular nicknames in the country, the company said.

To access the new lenses, users just have to search ‘IN’s Top Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname IN’ in the lens carousel.

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-Top News India News Saudi Arabia

Indian, Saudi Arabia Navy prepare for bilateral Naval exercise

The exercise aims to carry out tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability…reports Asian Lite News

Indian Navy Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces on Thursday met in Mumbai and gave final touches to preparations for India-Saudi Arabia Naval Exercise ‘Al-Mohed-Al Hindi-23’ planned for May 2023 in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail.

The exercise will be the second such Naval Exercise. The first was in August 2021. “A team from Royal Saudi Naval Forces met with the Indian side in Mumbai, giving final touches to the preparations for India-Saudi Arabia Naval Exercise, ‘Al-Mohed-Al Hindi-23’ planned for May this year off Jubail in Saudi Arabia. This will be the second such Naval Exercise, the 1st one was in Aug 2021,” the Indian Embassy in Riyadh tweeted on Thursday.

Al-Mohed-Al Hindi is a joint Naval Exercise between India and Saudi Arabia. The decision on the Bilateral exercise was taken during the Riyadh Summit held in 2019.

The exercise aims to carry out tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability.

Meanwhile, terming the relationship with India a “top priority”, Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Farhan Al-Saud recently said that the relationship between both nations has grown exponentially, adding that there is a need for measurable progress in all sectors especially the economic and trade relationship.

Highlighting the strong relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the minister said that both leaders want to see actual results, progress in relationship between the countries.

“The relationship with India is a top priority and we need to have measurable progress in all sectors especially the economic and trade relationship,” the Saudi Foreign Minister said in an interview with President of Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Samir Saran at Raisina ‘Ideas Pod’.

Al-Saud said the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia in the last five years, has grown exponentially. (ANI)

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-Top News UK News

Indian student among ’50 voices of 2023′

Commenting on being featured as one of the most influential 50 voices, Sanam Arora said “I’m honoured to be named as one of the “50 voices of 2023” alongside such legends of international education…reports Asian Lite News

In a first-of-its kind list curated to reflect the most influential voices in the European International Higher Education sector, Sanam Arora, Founder and Chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) has been featured as one of the “key influencers”.

The list of the 50 “people behind the policy”1 features sector stalwarts including Members of UK Parliament such as Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and President of the UK Council of Student Affairs; Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Higher Education Champion; Piet Van Hove, President of the European Association for Higher Education; Stig Arne Skjerven, Norway’s Special Envoy and Deputy Permanent Representative to UNESCO; Vivienne Stern, CEO of Universities UK which is the representative body for UK universities; Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer of Times Higher Education; Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher, which represents London’s universities and Sandra Rincon, Chair of the European Association for International Education.

Commenting on being featured as one of the most influential 50 voices, Sanam Arora said “I’m honoured to be named as one of the “50 voices of 2023” alongside such legends of international education. Ten years ago, when we started NISAU we had no idea how we would go about influencing policy – we just knew that the welfare of Indian students should be a key priority for the whole of the UK Higher Education system and developed our own set of tools and strategies over the years to effectuate real and on-ground impact at scale for Indian students abroad. Today it just seems incredible and so humbling to be named as a key influencer for our work in bringing about positive change for Indian students. We will keep working harder to ensure that the student voice becomes the heart of international student policymaking in the UK and beyond.”

This recognition comes hot off the heels of Sanam recently being named as the youngest Commissioner for the UK’s newly formed International Higher Education Commission2 which has been tasked with developing recommendations for a new ‘International Education Strategy 2.0’ in partnership with the higher education community. The Commission is chaired by the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, former Universities Minister of the UK.

A few months prior to this, Sanam was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Higher Education Industry’ award at the prestigious PIEoneer awards3, which celebrate the best of international higher education. At the same event, the NISAU also won the ‘Best Student Support’ award and was runner up for the ‘Association of the Year’. These awards are in recognition of the NISAU’s work in the International Higher Education space, supporting thousands of Indians abroad through the Covid crisis and the war in Ukraine.

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-Top News India News USA

US welcomes India’s participation in IPEF

Seoul : This photo, provided by South Korea's trade ministry, shows Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun (C), U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai (3rd from R), U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo (2nd from R) and other officials posing for a group photo in Los Angeles on Sept. 8, 2022.(Yonhap/IANS)

The US appreciated India’s initial public consultation on the draft Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Act…reports Asian Lite News

The United States on Wednesday welcomed India’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF).

US and India held the 13th Ministerial-level meeting of the United States-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in Washington, which was co-chaired by US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. Both leaders discussed several issues of mutual interest and explored how complementarities can further forge robust trade and investment ties to strengthen the multifaceted partnership.

“Ambassador Tai and Minister Goyal fully support the IPEF initiative and believe that deepening economic engagement among partner countries is crucial for continued growth, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, adding that the IPEF will bring tangible benefits to the region,” read the joint statement on the United States-India Trade Policy Forum.

The ministers underlined the significance of the TPF in forging robust bilateral trade ties and enhancing the bilateral economic relationship to benefit working people in both countries.

“They appreciated that bilateral trade in goods and services continued to rise rapidly and reached about USD 160 billion in 2021,” the statement added.

The ministers highlighted the work undertaken through the TPF working groups since the 12th TPF Ministerial. They reiterated the importance to India and the United States of specific trade issues enumerated in the 2021 TPF Joint Statement and directed that work be maintained to advance those issues towards resolution, with regular stock-taking of progress by the ministers and their senior officials.

They also welcomed the results achieved at the WTO’s Twelfth Ministerial Conference and expressed their shared intention to continue to work constructively at the WTO, including on WTO Ministerial Decisions, to achieve tangible, realistic, and meaningful outcomes.

“Recalling the foundational principles of the WTO, they noted that WTO reform should build trust in the multilateral trading system and enable the WTO to better advance its foundational objectives and respond to the needs of all of our people,” read the statement.

Ambassador Tai welcomed India’s G-20 Presidency saying the United States looks forward to working together with India in the Trade and Investment Working Group.

She noted that the G-20 can be a useful forum for initiating constructive dialogue and seeking to enhance coordination and cooperation among member countries on global trade issues, added the joint statement.

The US appreciated India’s initial public consultation on the draft Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Act.

The Ministers welcomed the finalisation of the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) design with the technical support of NOAA. The collaboration between India and the United States to expedite the TED trials will ensure that the TEDs are effective in minimising the impact of fishing on sea turtle population, read the statement further.

The ministers also welcomed continued engagement on intellectual property (IP) and reiterated that the protection and enforcement of IP contribute to the promotion of innovation as well as bilateral trade and investment in IP-intensive industries.

The two nations underlined the importance of continuing to engage on the provisions of the copyright in view of commitments under the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty and World Intellectual Property Organization Performance and Phonogram Treaty, added the statement.

The ministers also acknowledged the positive impact of Trade Margin Rationalization (TMR) on patient access to affordable medical devices during the Covid Pandemic while agreeing to continue exchanging views on pricing issues for cardiac stents and knee implants that would facilitate access to cutting-edge medical technology at affordable prices for the patients.

They further acknowledged the remaining work to be done to finalise access to certain agricultural products of interest to both sides. The ministers said they also “intend to increase dialogue on food and agricultural trade issues in 2023 and to continue work to address bilateral issues in the relationship through the Agriculture Working Groups, as well as the relevant sub-groups”.

“They noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers, students, investors and business travellers between the countries contributes immensely to enhancing bilateral economic and technological partnerships. India acknowledged the steps being taken by the United States to augment the processing of visa applications. Both sides decided to continue close monitoring of visa issues with the shared resolve to facilitate the movement of professionals, skilled workers, experts, and scientific personnel,” read the statement.

The ministers noted the potential of enhancing trade in professional services between the two countries. They acknowledged that well-functioning pathways for recognition of qualifications in professional services, and deeper dialogue between the professional bodies of the two countries can facilitate this growth.

They intend to encourage their regulatory bodies to engage in discussions on exchanges of knowledge, capacity building, and recognition of qualifications to further enhance trade in professional services.

The ministers also noted that greater cooperation in the Fintech sector could contribute to further expansion of the bilateral trade relationship, and intend to continue engagement in this area. They also discussed the importance of electronic payment services to furthering the trade relationship and both sides expressed their intention to continue engagement in this area.

“The ministers concluded by directing the TPF Working Groups to reconvene quarterly, either in person or virtually, and identify specific trade outcomes to ensure that the trade relationship begins to reach its full potential. They also instructed senior officials to hold an inter-sessional TPF meeting by mid-2023 and agreed to reconvene the TPF at the Ministerial level before the end of 2023,” added the statement. (ANI)

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2 Indian-Americans among Money magazine’s top 50 changemakers

As the director of the government’s CFPB, Chopra, 40, is tasked with protecting families from deceptive and abusive financial practices….reports Asian Lite News

Two Indian-Americans are among Money magazine’s 50 influential figures from entertainment, media, business, investing, politics, etc, who are shaping Americans’ finances.

Rohit Chopra, head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Gaurav Sharma of New York-based fintech firm Capitalize, have been recognised for offering “unique perspective on the gaps within our financial systems – and how they’re working to improve the future for everyday consumers”.

As the director of the government’s CFPB, Chopra, 40, is tasked with protecting families from deceptive and abusive financial practices.

Appointed by US President Joe Biden in 2021, “Chopra has already made an outsized impact on the wallets of Americans by helping overhaul how medical debt affects our credit, reduce ‘junk fees’ charged by banks, and more,” says Money.

As Director, Chopra is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Financial Stability Oversight Council.

“As far as financial regulators go, 40-year-old Chopra is young, though he’s certainly not inexperienced. In fact, he’s a bit of a financial Forrest Gump,” the Money said.

During his tenure at the Federal Trade Commission starting 2018, Chopra successfully worked to strengthen sanctions against repeat offenders, to reverse the agency’s reliance on no-money, no-fault settlements in fraud cases, and to halt abuses of small businesses. Prior to his government service, Chopra worked at McKinsey & Company, the global management consultancy, where he worked in the financial services, health care, and consumer technology sectors.

Gaurav Sharma
Rahul Chopra

Chopra holds a BA from Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.An Australian by birth, Sharma is the CEO and Co-Founder of Capitalize — a venture-backed fintech company in New York focused on the retirement savings market. Before founding Capitalize, Sharma worked for JP Morgan, UBS, Morgan Stanley, and Greenlight Capital.

After seeing how hard it is for most people to understand their retirement accounts, he decided to build a company that makes it easier.

“Really honored to be recognized by @Money as one of 50 Changemakers for 2023 – and flattered to be alongside some amazing innovators,” Sharma tweeted.

Initially, Sharma wanted Capitalize just to solve the problem of finding an old account and getting the money easily into an individual retirement account. Looking forward, though, “our bigger mission is helping the issue of saving for retirement,” Sharma told Money.

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-Top News Defence India News

Indian, Malaysian Navy Chiefs discuss maritime security

Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, would be hosting him…reports Asian Lite News

The Navy Chiefs of India and Malaysia have expressed their commitment to the idea of collective responsibility for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and visiting Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Mohd Reza Bin Mohd Sany discussed the progress of ongoing bilateral engagements in the maritime domain during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“The leaders identified several new avenues for further strengthening bilateral naval cooperation and also expressed commitment to their support to uphold the principle of collective responsibility for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region,” said the Ministry of Defence. Admiral Mohd Reza was also briefed on the broad range of Foreign Cooperation activities pursued by the Indian Navy.

The Malayalam Navy Chief would also be interacting with other high ranking officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). He will also avail the opportunity to interact with a broad range of Indian Defence Industry reps facilitated by iDEX.

The official visit started off with a sombre wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, where the Chief of the Malaysian Navy honoured the Indian heroes. He was also accorded a Guard of Honour at South Block.

Admiral Mohd Reza, a proud alumnus of INS Dronacharya, will visit his alma mater while in Kochi for the second leg of his tour. Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, would be hosting him.

The Ministry of Defence pointed out that bilateral cooperation between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy spans a wide canvass ranging from training to operations. The two Navies carried out the bilateral exercise Samudra Laksamana in May; the Navy to Navy Staff Talks were held in June. RMN Ship KD Lekiu and a high level delegation had earlier participated in MILAN hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam in February.

“Official visit of the Chief of Navy, RMN signifies yet another expression of growing collaboration between the two Navies and commitment to sustaining the positive trajectory of bilateral relations,” the ministry said.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Modi’s love for Indian textiles showcased at Taj Palace

Keeping things dramatic and super glam, designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s couture line, ‘Fibonacci’ was packed with red-carpet worthy gowns…Reports  Nimerta C Sharan

Industry veteran Anju Modi, and designer duo Rohit & Rahul Khanna showcased their couture collections at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Known for her dreamy and intricately detailed ensembles, Modi’s line of lehengas, modern saris and fusion ensembles made for some striking festive wear options.

Modi’s love for Indian textiles and crafts have always been a principal part of her design process. With this collection, she incorporated several techniques such as vegetable dyeing, traditional embroideries, weaving and block printing. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari who walked for the designer looked regal in an embellished yellow lehenga.

Keeping things dramatic and super glam, designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s couture line, ‘Fibonacci’ was packed with red-carpet worthy gowns. Over the years, the designers have not only found loyal fans amongst Bollywood A-listers but also amid young fashion enthusiasts. On the men’s fashion front, there were plenty of styles on display -asymmetrical kurtas with jackets, detailed suits and velvet blazers. The very stylish Malaika Arora closed the show for the duo dressed in a black thigh-high slit gown paired with a dazzling necklace.

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-Top News Europe India News

MEA: Around 17,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine

He expressed deep condolences for death of Chandan Jindal who died of natural causes…reports Asian Lite News

Around 17,000 Indian nationals have left war-torn Ukraine’s borders since the Indian Embassy in Ukraine issued advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

“We now estimate that nearly 17,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine’s borders since our advisories were issued in the last week,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

He said that the Embassy in Kiev has been asked to set up a temporary office in Lviv to facilitate border crossing by Indian nationals.

He also said that a mechanism has been established for issuing emergency certificates to those who lost their Indian passports which will also help many Indian students.

The MEA spokesperson said that “substantial segment of our embassy team is now at Lviv for this purpose. Location of the other segment of the embassy team is dynamic”.

“We are exploring options to reach eastern Ukraine to assist the evacuation of citizens who are stuck there. We are seeing if our teams can reach there, it’s not easy because the route is not open all the time,” he said.

He expressed deep condolences for death of Chandan Jindal who died of natural causes.

About urgent evacuation, Bagchi said that advisory issued by the Indian Embassy for nationals to leave Kharkiv by 6 p.m. local time was given on “basis of information from Russia”. He added that they should take any method to leave, including “on foot”.

“We have issued this advisory based on inputs from Russian side. We haven’t chosen the time. We haven’t chosen the location,” he said.

Meanwhile, an Air India Express flight from Bucharest, carrying 183 Indians from the war-torn Ukraine, landed in Mumbai on Thursday, officials said.

The flight IX-1202 with 183 passengers, including an infant, arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at around 5.40 a.m.

The evacuees were received by Union Minister of State for Railways Raosaheb Danve-Patil with flowers and words of solace as they trooped out lugging their belongings.

Outside the airport, the returnees were given a warm welcome by their families, relatives and friends anxiously awaiting their arrival since midnight.

This was the third flight of evacuees in the past six days to Mumbai and a few more are expected to be operated this week as part of the Operation Ganga launched by India.

While one flight from Bucharest is likely to reach here at 1.50 a.m. on Friday, another is scheduled from Budapest the same day at 8 a.m., said officials.

Till date, Danve-Patil said around 4,000-5,000 Indians, mostly students have safely returned home and the operations will continue till all those stuck there are brought back.

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