The non-resident Indians (NRIs) deposited around $1 billion in the country in April alone.
Showing their confidence in the resilient Indian economy despite global macroeconomic conditions, non-resident Indians (NRIs) deposited around $1 billion in the country in April alone.
Last year, overseas Indians deposited $150 million in the same month, showing their growing belief in the Indian economy as there is increasing evidence of a trend upshift taking shape, which is shifting India’s growth trajectory from the 2003-19 average of 7 per cent to the 2021-24 average of 8 per cent or even more.
According to latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the surge in NRI deposits reflects the resilience of the Indian economy.
For the NRIs, There are three key deposit schemes in the country – the foreign currency non-resident (bank) or FCNR(B); the non-resident external rupee account or NRE(RA) and the non-resident ordinary (NRO) deposit scheme.
In April, NRIs deposited $583 million in the NRE(RA) scheme, followed by $483 million in the FCNR(B) scheme.
During the pandemic, NRI deposits grew to $142 billion from $131 billion.
India’s forex kitty surges to new lifetime high of $655.8 billion
Meanwhile, India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $4.3 billion to scale a lifetime high of $655.8 billion, according to the latest RBI data.
India, with an expected 15.2 per cent share in world remittances in 2024, also continues to be the largest recipient of remittances globally.
An increase in the foreign exchange reserves reflects strong fundamentals of the economy and gives the RBI more headroom to stabilise the rupee when it turns volatile.
The plea sought directions from the Central government to permit citizens residing outside India, to exercise their franchise, under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, from their place of residence or employment…reports Asian Lite News
The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea seeking direction to permit citizens residing outside India to vote here, from their place of residence or employment.
A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justices JK Maheshwari and Hima Kohli sought a response from the government and poll panel and tagged the PIL along with pending pleas.
The plea filed by Kerala Pravasi Association sought direction that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) be given the right to vote, without insisting on their physical presence in their respective polling stations in India, on the day of polling.
The plea sought directions from the Central government to permit citizens residing outside India, to exercise their franchise, under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, from their place of residence or employment.
The petition has submitted that the provisions of Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010 which mandates that NRIs be physically present in their constituencies to exercise their right to cast vote in elections are violative of the Fundamental Rights as enshrined under Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
Rules under the Act fail in ensuring the involvement of the citizens living abroad and deny them their Right to effectively exercise their franchise, it added.
Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) organised its first award ceremony at Swissotel Al Marooj …. reports Asian Lite News
H.E Laila Rahhall; Tadu Mamu, Consul – Press Information, Culture and Labour at Indian Consulate Dubai; Dr Vibhabakshi, film director & producer; Debanjali Kamastra- Mrs. UAE World 2021; Richa Anand, Inspirational Women of the Year award & Jury; Lynette Lobo -Impactful Women Entrepreneurs Award & Jury; Dr. Mariam Shaikh , Leader in the Educational Industry & Jury, Harjyot Oberoi, Women Achiever of the Year & Jury were present.
Entertainment performances by celebrity Shweta Subram, Dance group Balle Balle Dubai and special child Navya Bhaskaran electrified the award ceremony and elevated the whole experience.
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
IWD members also walked the ramp for a fashion show showcasing the collection of leading Indian designers in the region.
A total of 30 awards were given to the very talented Indian Women in Dubai for their exceptional contribution to different fields of work.
“It was a beautiful evening,” said Reema Mahajan, Founder of Indian Women in Dubai. “When 200 strong, determined, empowered women came together in one ballroom, it became a really special evening. I am glad everyone enjoyed the show and appreciated the hard work and efforts we have put into it in the last two months.”
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
WINNERS
1.
Gurnoor Bindra –
Leader in the Hospitality Industry
2.
Pallavi Puri –
Outstanding Fashion Designer
3.
Dr. MUNMUN GHOSH –
Popular Dentist
4.
Anuradha Vobilisetty –
Outstanding Legal Services to Humanity
5.
Radhika Lamba –
Best Talk Show Host
6.
Sreenath Sasidharan –
Best Photographer
7.
Ananya –
Breakout Star Model
8.
Shweta Subram –
Star Singer Performance
9.
Dr. SUPRIYA CHAUHAN –
Best Artist
10.
Prashanti Chopra –
Best Singer
11.
Hitiksha Shah –
Best Travel Agent
12.
Sunita Bhatia –
Most Impactful Corporate Career
13.
Nisha Tandon –
Best Writer
14.
Tanushree Jain –
Best Health and Wellness Expert
15.
Silvy Penha –
Best Dancer
16.
Jasleen Bhatia –
Young Achiever (Under 19)
17.
Hima Bhuta –
Best Baker
18.
Ekta Thakker –
Best Home Maker
19.
Maria Manasawala –
Best Blogger
20.
Prisha Babbar –
Best Event Organiser
21.
Divine By Diazz –
Best Entrepreneur
22.
Pprerrna Goel –
Best Model
23.
Ayesha Shaik –
Most Impact in Education
24.
Al Mashaier Al Jamilah – Ladies Salon
Best Salon Services
25.
Shubhangi Saka –
Most Impactful Social Work
26.
Rupali Shah –
Best Photographer
27.
Kraftz Décor –
Home Décor
28.
Hiral Agarwal –
Best Designer (Apparel)
29.
Bhumika –
Best Makeup Artist
30.
Partybuzz –
Best Event Decor
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
INDIAN WOMEN AWARDS 2021, DUBAI
Mr Abdul Aziz, CEO of Safeer Corproate Services and H.E Laila Rahhall
Deshmukh, a student of GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai, has been honoured for her exceptional performance on the SCAT assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search…reports Asian Lite News
Indian origin girls — New Jersy-based Natasha Peri (11) and Dubai-based Priyamvada Deshmukh (12) — have been named in the worlds “brightest” students list based on results of above-grade-level testing of 19,000 students across 84 countries, according to Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), a part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Peri, a student at Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary School, was honoured for exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, or similar assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search,” said a statement from the CTY.
Deshmukh, a student of GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai, has been honoured for her exceptional performance on the SCAT assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search, a university statement said.
She was one of nearly 19,000 students from 84 countries who joined CTY in the 2019-21 Talent Search years. CTY uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their true academic abilities.
Peri took the Johns Hopkins Talent Search test in Spring 2021, when she was in Grade 5. Her results in the verbal and quantitative sections levelled with the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance.
“This motivates me to do more,” she said, adding that doodling and reading J.R.R Tolkien’s novels may have worked for her.
Deshmukh took the Johns Hopkins Talent Search test in Spring 2020, when she was still in Grade 6. Her results in the verbal sections levelled with the advanced Grade 10 performance. She made the cut for Johns Hopkins CTY ‘High Honors Awards’.
Due to the Covid19 induced delay in Global logistics support, she finally received her much awaited “High Honors” pin this week, which she lovingly kept in front of her Grandparents photograph as tribute to her roots.
The delay in officially getting the certificates did not stop her from attending the summer programme at John Hopkins University’s CTY in English literature where she studied the confluence of Art and Science in literary writing and completed the course scoring ‘A’ Grade.
She followed up with top scoring the second level of Asset Talent Examination which also qualified her for summer program at NorthWestern University this year, where she is learning about world building in fiction writing this year.
Her elder brother was among the first UAE students to have cleared the Duke University TIP (Talent Identification Programme) when he was in Class 8.
Her parents joke that its nothing but routine sibling rivalry that she wanted to achieve the same, just a year ahead of her brother. Even though she loves Physics and Computer Science as subjects, unlike her elder brother (who is Chancellor’s Scholarship holder student of Astro Physics at University of Massachusetts), Deshmukh wants to pursue humanities and literature when she goes to college five years down the lane.
As part of Johns Hopkins policy, granular information is not broken down by age or race.
Likewise, it is left to the guardian to disclose the prodigy’s name. Within the US, awardees come from all 50 US states.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these students,” said Virginia Roach, CTY’s executive director.
“In a year that was anything but ordinary, their love of learning shined through, and we are excited to help cultivate their growth as scholars and citizens throughout high school, college, and beyond,” Roach added.
The quantitative section of the Johns Hopkins CTY test measures the ability to see relationships between quantities expressed in mathematical terms, the verbal section measures understanding of the meaning of words and the relationships between them.
This comes in the backdrop of problems being faced by international students owing to COVID-19 restrictions imposed by several countries, reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday asked the Indian students studying abroad to contact their OIA-II Division if they are currently stuck in India due to COVID-19 restrictions or have other similar issues.
In a tweet, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, said: “Kind Attention! Indian students studying abroad but stuck in India due to COVID-19 and related issues can get in touch with the OIA-II Division at @MEAIndia.”
Bagchi also shared two emails for students who are facing mobility issues due to the pandemic.
“Indian students studying abroad who are stuck in India owing to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and mobility issues can send their coordinates, that is, email ID and mobile number to OIA-II Division at Emails: us.oia2@mea.gov.in and so1oia2@mea.gov.in,” MEA statement read.
This comes in the backdrop of problems being faced by international students owing to COVID-19 restrictions imposed by several countries.
Scores of students currently enrolled in higher education in foreign countries are studying remotely in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions and border closure issues. Some of them are even stranded in India.
Reportedly, Indian students who have received Covaxin or Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine are being asked to inoculate again across several international institutes as both of them are yet to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). (ANI)
IIW (Inspiring Indian Women) curates an online workshop- No more Silence to Domestic Violence… A special report by Maheen Nusrat
Indian Inspiring Women (IIW) hosted an online workshop on the topic of ‘NRI Brides session: No more Silence to Domestic Violence’. The event featured Family Law and Immigration experts, domestic violence registered counsellors, charity organisations, and Councillor. The event was hosted by Jasmine Vithalani; who is a Community Engagement Officer in London, an advocate for the fight against domestic abuse, passionate about empowering women through education. She is also an RJ for BHF Radio and TV show host for women’s program ‘Nari tu Narayani and a freelance writer.
Indian Women’s Forum Offers Help For NRI Brides
Those in attendance had an opportunity to hear at length from legal experts such as Savitha Bansal; who is a qualified solicitor with 20+ years of diverse experience in two different legal systems: UK and India. She shared her wisdom and stories of women who had suffered Domestic Violence at the hands of their husbands; sharing many stories where women successfully got settlement in the UK. Bansal, also shared some tips for women who may be currently facing such circumstances for women to safeguard themselves; highlighting the importance of documents, what steps to take to protect one’s interest in property and what steps to take before coming as a bride to the UK to ensure protection of jewellery and money.
Audience also had an opportunity to hear from Reema Chugh, who is a solicitor, specializing in property/construction disputes, runs a mediation service and Aum Charity that helps victims of domestic violence and children in Asian countries. Chugh focused on the questions women and their families must ask before marrying, and the responsibility on the families of the women to do their due diligence and not be afraid to ask questions and also be willing to investigate through using social media, or asking local family and friends to check the prospective groom.
Kashmira Kalsi; who is a Registered Counsellor and works at Sangam, a Charity which provides free counselling for victims of Domestic Abuse shared the psychological impact on victims and highlighted that help is available. She busted the myths that simply having a proposal from the UK is not a guarantee that life will be a bed of roses.
Ritu Sharma, writer of ‘Rich Man’s Poor Daughter’ who manages Kaushalya in Birmingham also chimed in that the temptation to move to the UK is enticing and the risk of losing a potential proposal is so high which is why often even well-educated families will not ask questions or investigate.
Indian Women’s Forum Offers Help For NRI Brides
Garima Jhamb; who is a domestic abuse practitioner, National Women’s Aid trainer on forced marriage and honour-based violence with a passion to help victims of violence but also to advocate for them. Jhamb elaborated on the lack of support often from the family of the victims itself. Jhamb pointed to the reality victims often face where the inlaws and the perpetrator will discredit the victim through character assasination, hurling false accusations of being greedy or simply accuse of mental health problems; all as a way to deter the victim from raising a voice against her own oppression and from seeking help.
The panel also provided an opportunity to hear from other survivors and how they found their voice having gone through such adversity. One of the victims, Veena shared a heart-wrenching story of the various types of abuse she faced from her perpetrator. All showed immense appreciation for Veena’s vulnerability, honesty and courage. Veena also sang in her beautiful voice-which was a delight everyone who attended got to indulge in.
The event also featured the youngest parish council candidate from Chigwell Row, Cllr. Pranav Bhanot; who shared his experience of helping victims of domestic violence in his capacity as a councillor. Bhanot shared that one of the highest crimes in Chigwell Row unfortunately is Domestic Abuse, mainly against women and made worse during the lockdown. He also highlighted how a large segment of the population in Chigwell Row is from the South Asian diaspora of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. He shared about a campaign called ANI, which is designed as a codeword. ANI allows victims to go into shops and pharmacies and get immediate access to help simply by uttering ANI to someone working there.
Author Harpal Singh of ‘The First Slap’ minced no words when he called out the culture of patriarchy within the South Asian Community which gives impunity to the perpetrators and refuses to acknowledge the deep impact of domestic violence and its prevalence in our communities. He encouraged a strong stance against such abuse and encouraged the families of women to stand by their daughters while dumping this false concept of izzat because the life, and safety of women is far more important than a mythical concept of izzat.
Indian Women’s Forum Offers Help For NRI Brides
We also heard from Meena Nahar who is an IDVA and works for Women’s Aid in Leicestershire and volunteers with Asian Women Foundation in Bedford. She shared with us the work that her charity is involved in and also the work of many other charities that are active within the UK. She provided hope that help is available and signposted to the various aid available to victims of abuse, especially those who are on a spousal visa.
The webinar provided a lot of information, and a list of contacts and organisations that can help victims in need. The recording of the forum can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzZt7jdBjRA. For more info check the IIW ( Inspiring Indian Women ) website – inspiringindianwomen.org
The report from the 1928 Institute, a University of Oxford backed think-tank, reveals that British Indian voting patterns and political disconnections. Data suggests British Indians are likely to vote Conservative, despite voting Labour in 2019 ….. A special report by Kaliph Anaz
As Britain goes to poll tomorrow to elect their local representatives, a study shows more headache for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Analysis of over 2,300 British Indians across the country shows that despite the majority (36%) voting Labour in the 2019 General Elections, the 2021 local elections will see a shift, with British Indians now showing support for Conservative party (33%) and Labour falling behind at 31%.
The study considered migration paths, religious identities, and geographical locations in the United Kingdom. The study shows younger voters are more inclined to vote for Conservative, despite previously supporting Labour. Only 8% of British Indians feel accurately represented by policymakers and detail their political priorities for local and national Government
The report from the 1928 Institute, a University of Oxford backed think-tank, focused on researching and representing the British Indian community, has analysed the political alignment and priorities of British Indians from across the United Kingdom.
The report (with fieldwork conducted in August 2020 and December 2020), which investigates and compares the relationship between the political party inclined to support and key demographics: age and location – found that the most sizeable change in voting preference is from those aged between 21 to 50, with 45.9% respondents moving away from Labour resulting in the Conservative party picking up the majority of these voters (48.8%).
However, the analysis found the narrowest gap by age group is 26-30, with just a 2% margin in the Conservative party’s favour. However, further analysis between August and December found a significant increase in those unlikely to vote in this week’s election.
Analysis by location found that in August 2020, British Indian’s were more likely to vote Labour across most regions, except Scotland, where the Conservative Party took the lead, highlighting that the manifesto of the SNP did not align with the political needs and wants of British Indians. The regions with the narrowest difference in support between the Labour and Conservative Party are the East of England (4%), followed by Greater London (6%) and the South East (8%).
In December 2020, the majority of British Indians were inclined to vote for the Conservative Party. Although Labour retained support in the North West, South East, West Midlands, British Indians across Yorkshire and Humber are inclined to the Conservative and Labour Parties equally (35% respectively). In addition, in the South West, the Liberal Democrats emerged as the strongest party.
When asked if British Indians feel accurately represented by policymakers, only 8% agreed. Many went on to state that historically, the British Indian Diaspora were not vocal about their needs and instead focused on settling into their communities. As a result, feel that current and future generations will continue to be overlooked.
The report highlights five key policy areas British Indians would like to see prioritised by the Government: education (54%), health (52%), environment and climate change (44%), domestic poverty (36%), and equalities and human rights (33%). When asked why British Indians felt these five areas were important, respondents explained that these areas align with their cultural values of giving back to society, or “Seva”, along with the importance of taking care of the vulnerable.
In addition, 4 in 5 British Indians (84%) want the Government to prioritise tackling racism and colonialism. British Indians stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement calling for resources and capital to promote equality and human rights across all ethnic minorities. Respondents described that they do not find “BAME” a useful concept as the generalisation incorrectly informs the distribution of resources and identity.
Kiran Kaur Manku, Co-Founder of the 1928 Institute and Researcher Fellow at the University of Oxford, said: “This report provides empirical evidence on has found clear patterns between the needs and wants of British Indians. Given that almost three in four British Indians do not feel accurately represented by policymakers at and the 1928 Institute, we would like to see the policy priorities and recommendations urgently be implemented.
Kiran Kaur Manku
“British Indians contribute significantly outlined move from conversation to action. The recently issued ‘race report’ whilst finding no institutional racism in the UK and are calling for rational actions to support society: the national curriculum to include Britain’s colonial legacy and impact, and ethnic minorities task-force the United Kingdom has synergies with embedded ethics our research.”
The report is compiled from three datasets with a survey between 13 July and 18 August, focus groups between 16th and 25th November 2020, and another survey between 16th and 22nd December. The research reflects input from over 2,300 UK respondents aged between 16 and 85 with a mean of 36-40. Respondents have varied employment status and work across various sectors, including defence, professional services, technology, and healthcare.
The 1928 Institute is a newly launched think tank backed by the University of Oxford. Focused on researching and representing members of the UK population, which identify as British Indian- the UK’s largest ethnic minority group, the think tank focuses on uncovering information on key topics which impact this demographic and exploring Indian ideas. With notable members, Parliamentarians, the 1928 Institute aims to ensure the voices of the Diaspora is heard at the highest levels of the UK Government.
British Asian Trust’s ‘Oxygen For India’ emergency appeal will raise funds for oxygen concentrators, and together with local partners in India, will rapidly deploy them to the hospitals and patients that need them most …. Reports Asian Lite News
Oxygen appeal for Corona crippled India. The British Asian Trust (BAT), a Prince of Wales’ Charity, has launched an emergency appeal ‘Oxygen For India’ to aid the deepening Covid-19 crisis in India. Rates of Covid-19 cases and deaths in India are rising at a hugely alarming pace, with India setting new world records for the daily rise in number of cases.
India’s hospitals are overrun, have stopped admitting patients and are running low on vital supplies and equipment including oxygen, leaving people helpless as they watch their loved ones die on stretchers outside the hospital doors.
British Asian Trust’s ‘Oxygen For India’ emergency appeal will raise funds for oxygen concentrators, and together with local partners in India, will rapidly deploy them to the hospitals and patients that need them most. Having consulted with the Indian and UK governments, the British Asian Trust’s advisors and programme partners in India have outlined a package of support that will compliment what industry, government and other charities are doing to help.
All funds raised by the ‘Oxygen For India’ emergency appeal will go towards providing as many oxygen concentrators to hospitals as quickly as possible. Oxygen concentrators are alternate devices to oxygen cylinders – while cylinders contain a finite amount of oxygen supply, a concentrator continually recycles oxygen from the air and delivers it to the patient.
A donation of £50 will provide oxygen for 40 patients struggling to breathe, £450 will provide low-flow oxygen concentrator to help 900 patients and an £830 donation will provide high-flow oxygen concentrator to help 550 of the most seriously ill patients.
“We have seen the terrible impact of the pandemic worldwide but the devastation in India currently is one of the worst points of the last 12 months,” said Hitan Mehta, Executive Director, British Asian Trust. “The astronomical numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths in India are frightening and we fear there is still a peak to come. What we can do now is provide essential support as quickly as possible to help those most in need. Our ‘Oxygen For India’ emergency appeal has been set up to provide vital supplies and equipment to save lives. We simply cannot stand by and do nothing.”
Hitan Mehta (British Asian Trust)
British Asian Trust ambassadors such as Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Nitin Ganatra and Isa Guha have supported the launch of the appeal on social media, whilst Sunrise Radio, the UK’s biggest and most-listened to commercial Asian radio station will support the appeal pro bono with round the clock airtime. The appeal will also be supported by advertising agency Here & Now 365 and Indian TV channel NDTV 24×7.
Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal
Actor and British Asian Trust ambassador Nitin Ganatra shared his thoughts on Twitter: “Devastating scenes in India where people are dying in the streets due to Covid-19, please take a look at the British Asian Trust’s emergency appeal. Please share. #OxygenForIndia Please give generously.”
Nitin Ganatra
Tony Lit MBE, Managing Director, Sunrise Radio adds: “It is crucial that we work together to do whatever we can to support India in this time of national crisis. The pandemic is destroying Indian families and communities and we must do everything to help and support them as quickly as possible. I am proud that Sunrise Radio is partnering with the British Asian Trust to launch the Oxygen For India emergency appeal and alongside Here & Now 365 and NDTV 24×7 we will be donating substantial advertising space across radio and television to help raise the vital funds required to support those most in need in India.”
Tony Lit
Manish Tiwari, Managing Director, Here & Now 365 adds: “This is a vital appeal to provide emergency support to those in India suffering the most during one of the worst periods of the pandemic. Working alongside Sunrise Radio and NDTV 24×7 we hope to raise as much awareness and funds as possible to support the British Asian Trust’s Oxygen For India appeal.”
The Oxygen For India emergency appeal is being supported by the British International Doctor’s Association (BIDA) who have partnered with the British Asian Trust to help raise funds, with a target of raising £100,000.
Manish Tiwari
Donate to the Oxygen For India emergency appeal now. Make a donation and be part of the collective effort to get oxygen to those who need it urgently.
