Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities.

The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

"I consider NRIs India's brand ambassadors. They are the symbols of our capacities and capabilities," he told the gathering.

"People of Indian origin are in leadership roles in countries such as Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland," he said.

Modi also alluded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that only 15 paise of Re 1 reaches masses and said the Congress government had done nothing to stop the leakage.

The prime minister added that his government had stepped in to rectify the situation.

The "85 per cent loot" taking place during the Congress regime had been plugged "100 per cent" through technology, he said.

"We have given about Rs 5,80,000 crore to people, transferred to their bank accounts through various schemes. Imagine, if the country was being run on the older system? Then Rs 4,50,000 crore would have vanished," Modi said.

Continuing his attack on the Congress, he said efforts to stop the "leakage" could have been made earlier as well but there was no intention and will power.

"Our government is moving towards ensuring that the aid given by the government is directly transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct benefit schemes," he said.

Mauritian Premier Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest for the three-day event, also spoke on the occasion.

He hailed the prime minister for India's transformation through initiatives such as the Skill India and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes.

He also praised Modi's global stewardship in promoting clean energy and for setting up the International Solar Alliance.

Jugnauth announced that his country will hold a Bhagwad Gita Mahotsav next month and a Bhojpuri Festival next year.

For the first time, the three-day convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital.

The theme of this year's convention is 'Role of the Indian diaspora in building new India'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities. The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities. The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. "I consider NRIs India's brand ambassadors. They are the symbols of our capacities and capabilities," he told the gathering. "People of Indian origin are in leadership roles in countries such as Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland," he said. Modi also alluded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that only 15 paise of Re 1 reaches masses and said the Congress government had done nothing to stop the leakage. The prime minister added that his government had stepped in to rectify the situation. The "85 per cent loot" taking place during the Congress regime had been plugged "100 per cent" through technology, he said. "We have given about Rs 5,80,000 crore to people, transferred to their bank accounts through various schemes. Imagine, if the country was being run on the older system? Then Rs 4,50,000 crore would have vanished," Modi said. Continuing his attack on the Congress, he said efforts to stop the "leakage" could have been made earlier as well but there was no intention and will power. "Our government is moving towards ensuring that the aid given by the government is directly transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct benefit schemes," he said. Mauritian Premier Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest for the three-day event, also spoke on the occasion. He hailed the prime minister for India's transformation through initiatives such as the Skill India and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes. He also praised Modi's global stewardship in promoting clean energy and for setting up the International Solar Alliance. Jugnauth announced that his country will hold a Bhagwad Gita Mahotsav next month and a Bhojpuri Festival next year. For the first time, the three-day convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital. The theme of this year's convention is 'Role of the Indian diaspora in building new India'.

NRIs are India's brand ambassadors, symbolise country's capabilities: PM Modi at 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities.

The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

"I consider NRIs India's brand ambassadors. They are the symbols of our capacities and capabilities," he told the gathering.

"People of Indian origin are in leadership roles in countries such as Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland," he said.

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PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. <a href="https://t.co/tAEBm7zfq1">pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1</a>
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Modi also alluded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that only 15 paise of Re 1 reaches masses and said the Congress government had done nothing to stop the leakage.

The prime minister added that his government had stepped in to rectify the situation. The "85 per cent loot" taking place during the Congress regime had been plugged "100 per cent" through technology, he said.

"We have given about Rs 5,80,000 crore to people, transferred to their bank accounts through various schemes. Imagine, if the country was being run on the older system? Then Rs 4,50,000 crore would have vanished," Modi said.

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PM Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Varanasi: Our Embassies&amp;Consulates across the world are being connected with Passport Sewa Project. It will prepare a centralized system for passport related services for all. Now taking a step forward,work is on to issue chip-based e-passports <a href="https://t.co/dZlNbfA3T9">pic.twitter.com/dZlNbfA3T9</a>
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Continuing his attack on the Congress, he said efforts to stop the "leakage" could have been made earlier as well but there was no intention and will power.

"Our government is moving towards ensuring that the aid given by government is directly transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct benefit schemes," he said.

Mauritian Premier Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest for the three-day event, also spoke on the occasion.

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PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. <a href="https://t.co/tAEBm7zfq1">pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087606049241223168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He hailed the prime minister for India's transformation through initiatives such as the Skill India and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes.

He also praised Modi's global stewardship in promoting clean energy and for setting up the International Solar Alliance.

Jugnauth announced that his country will hold a Bhagwad Gita Mahotsav next month and a Bhojpuri Festival next year.

For the first time, the three-day convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital.

The theme of this year's convention is 'Role of Indian diaspora in building new India'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities. The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. "I consider NRIs India's brand ambassadors. They are the symbols of our capacities and capabilities," he told the gathering. "People of Indian origin are in leadership roles in countries such as Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland," he said. PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × Modi also alluded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that only 15 paise of Re 1 reaches masses and said the Congress government had done nothing to stop the leakage. The prime minister added that his government had stepped in to rectify the situation. The "85 per cent loot" taking place during the Congress regime had been plugged "100 per cent" through technology, he said. "We have given about Rs 5,80,000 crore to people, transferred to their bank accounts through various schemes. Imagine, if the country was being run on the older system? Then Rs 4,50,000 crore would have vanished," Modi said. PM Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Varanasi: Our Embassies&Consulates across the world are being connected with Passport Sewa Project. It will prepare a centralized system for passport related services for all. Now taking a step forward,work is on to issue chip-based e-passports pic.twitter.com/dZlNbfA3T9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × Continuing his attack on the Congress, he said efforts to stop the "leakage" could have been made earlier as well but there was no intention and will power. "Our government is moving towards ensuring that the aid given by government is directly transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct benefit schemes," he said. Mauritian Premier Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest for the three-day event, also spoke on the occasion. PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × He hailed the prime minister for India's transformation through initiatives such as the Skill India and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes. He also praised Modi's global stewardship in promoting clean energy and for setting up the International Solar Alliance. Jugnauth announced that his country will hold a Bhagwad Gita Mahotsav next month and a Bhojpuri Festival next year. For the first time, the three-day convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital. The theme of this year's convention is 'Role of Indian diaspora in building new India'.

15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas: NRIs are India's brand ambassadors, says PM Modi

All NRI marriages solemnised in India would have to be registered within 48 hours, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said today.

As of now, there is no time frame to register marriages in India. However, a Law Commission report has recommended that the time limit to register marriages should be restricted to 30 days after which a penalty of Rs 5 per day could be imposed.

"NRI marriages have to be registered&nbsp;within 48 hours, else the passport and visas would not be issued," Gandhi said, adding that the WCD Ministry is in the process of issuing orders to the registrars that details of such marriages should be provided to it so that a central database can be maintained.

The ministry had earlier constituted an Integrated Nodal Agency (INA) with representatives from the ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs and Law and Justice to look into matrimonial disputes involving Non-resident Indians (NRI).&nbsp;

According to the recommendation of the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the decisions taken in the INA, look-out circulars are issued as per criteria defined by the MHA, for keeping a watch on arrival or departure of NRI husbands and preventing them from leaving India, Gandhi said.

"The ministry has recently issued six look-out circulars in such cases and in five cases, passports were revoked by the Ministry of External Affairs," she said, listing various achievements of her ministry in the last four years.&nbsp;

She said that a change in the statute by the Law Ministry allowing authorities to hold the properties of NRI offenders in escrow in case they abscond abandoning their spouse is awaited before the databases can be finalised.&nbsp;

Escrow is a legal concept in which a financial instrument or an asset is held by a third party on behalf of two other parties that are in the process of completing a transaction.

"That is where we are held up and hopefully it will be sorted out at a meeting on&nbsp;June 11&nbsp;and once that is done, we can create 'Lakshman rekha' of safety for women who marry people who come from abroad," she said.

She also talked about the provisions in the new taxi policy guidelines for an improved women's safety policy which were issued in 2017 by the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

"The measures include mandatory GPS panic devices in all taxis, disabling of child-lock system, prominent display of driver's identification with photo and registration number of the vehicle and sharing of seat to be subject to the willingness of female passengers," she said.

All NRI marriages solemnised in India would have to be registered within 48 hours, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said

All NRI marriages solemnised in India would have to be registered within 48 hours, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said today. As of now, there is no time frame to register marriages in India. However, a Law Commission report has recommended that the time limit to register marriages should be restricted to 30 days after which a penalty of Rs 5 per day could be imposed. "NRI marriages have to be registered within 48 hours, else the passport and visas would not be issued," Gandhi said, adding that the WCD Ministry is in the process of issuing orders to the registrars that details of such marriages should be provided to it so that a central database can be maintained. The ministry had earlier constituted an Integrated Nodal Agency (INA) with representatives from the ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs and Law and Justice to look into matrimonial disputes involving Non-resident Indians (NRI). According to the recommendation of the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the decisions taken in the INA, look-out circulars are issued as per criteria defined by the MHA, for keeping a watch on arrival or departure of NRI husbands and preventing them from leaving India, Gandhi said. "The ministry has recently issued six look-out circulars in such cases and in five cases, passports were revoked by the Ministry of External Affairs," she said, listing various achievements of her ministry in the last four years. She said that a change in the statute by the Law Ministry allowing authorities to hold the properties of NRI offenders in escrow in case they abscond abandoning their spouse is awaited before the databases can be finalised. Escrow is a legal concept in which a financial instrument or an asset is held by a third party on behalf of two other parties that are in the process of completing a transaction. "That is where we are held up and hopefully it will be sorted out at a meeting on June 11 and once that is done, we can create 'Lakshman rekha' of safety for women who marry people who come from abroad," she said. She also talked about the provisions in the new taxi policy guidelines for an improved women's safety policy which were issued in 2017 by the Ministry of Transport and Highways. "The measures include mandatory GPS panic devices in all taxis, disabling of child-lock system, prominent display of driver's identification with photo and registration number of the vehicle and sharing of seat to be subject to the willingness of female passengers," she said.

All NRI marriages to be registered within 48 hours: Maneka Gandhi

A 58-year-old NRI man, holding a Russian passport, was arrested at the Delhi airport today after an Indian woman alleged that he had masturbated sitting beside her on board a flight from Istanbul, officials said.

The security control room at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was informed in the early hours today that there was an "unruly passenger" on board a Turkish Airlines flight approaching Delhi.

Personnel of the CISF, which guards the airport, reached the flight (TK-716) upon landing and were informed that the Indian woman had, in the meantime, made a distress call to the Delhi Police alleging sexual harassment by a co-passenger.

"It was learnt that the male passenger, an NRI holding Russian passport, was sitting next to the woman in the flight and allegedly unzipped his trouser and started masturbating in front of her," a senior official said.

When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said.

When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said.

The man was later handed over to the Delhi Police, which reached the Terminal-III area of the airport. He has been booked under Section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and arrested, police said.

The 58-year-old man holds a Russian passport. An Indian woman alleged that he had masturbated in front of her on board a flight from Istanbul

A 58-year-old NRI man, holding a Russian passport, was arrested at the Delhi airport today after an Indian woman alleged that he had masturbated sitting beside her on board a flight from Istanbul, officials said. The security control room at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was informed in the early hours today that there was an "unruly passenger" on board a Turkish Airlines flight approaching Delhi. Personnel of the CISF, which guards the airport, reached the flight (TK-716) upon landing and were informed that the Indian woman had, in the meantime, made a distress call to the Delhi Police alleging sexual harassment by a co-passenger. "It was learnt that the male passenger, an NRI holding Russian passport, was sitting next to the woman in the flight and allegedly unzipped his trouser and started masturbating in front of her," a senior official said. When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said. When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said. The man was later handed over to the Delhi Police, which reached the Terminal-III area of the airport. He has been booked under Section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and arrested, police said.

NRI arrested for allegedly masturbating in front of woman on Delhi-bound flight

As the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-government-plans-to-stop-work-visa-for-spouses-of-h-1b-visa-holders-132524">US government gets ready to </a>terminate the H-4 visa for spouses of visa holders who hold the coveted H-1B visa, two US Democratic lawmakers have decided to oppose the move by the Trump administration.

The US Citizenship <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/h1-b-approvals-for-indian-it-companies-dropped-by-43-between-2015-17-report-132720">and Immigration Services(USCIS) chief Francis </a>Cissna had informed a few days ago that the H-4 visas may be terminated this summer. Indians are the majority of H-4 visa holders with 93 per cent, according to a report.

"I will say that the H-4 visas go to women who are just as qualified, sometimes more qualified, than their spouses but haven't been able to work," Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said.

The H-4 visas was started by the Obama administration, a move the Trump government is determined to overturn.

"Our plans include proposing regulatory changes to remove H-4 dependent spouses from the class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation, thereby reversing the 2015 final rule that granted such eligibility," Cissna said in the letter to Senator Chuck Grassley.

Democratic Congressmen Joe Crowley, Ami Bera and Raja Krishnamoorthi also joined hands with Jayapal over the H-1B and H4 visa issue.

Trump's party man Republican Senator Thom Tillis backed Congressman Jayapal, asserting that President Trump wants to have an immigration system that "attracts and retains talent in the country".

"The business people that I know in the Indian American community in North Carolina who have gotten American citizenship are extraordinary people. They love this country as much as I do as an American born citizen. They add a richness to our society that is very important," the Republican Senator from North Carolina said.

"The president of the United States has a view that there is a place for legal immigration, work visas and green cards. Because I've heard him say it more than once. What we're trying to do is debate how you actually get to that policy," Tillis added.&nbsp

Trump's party man Republican Senator Thom Tillis backed Congressman Jayapal

As the US government gets ready to terminate the H-4 visa for spouses of visa holders who hold the coveted H-1B visa, two US Democratic lawmakers have decided to oppose the move by the Trump administration. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) chief Francis Cissna had informed a few days ago that the H-4 visas may be terminated this summer. Indians are the majority of H-4 visa holders with 93 per cent, according to a report. "I will say that the H-4 visas go to women who are just as qualified, sometimes more qualified, than their spouses but haven't been able to work," Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said. The H-4 visas was started by the Obama administration, a move the Trump government is determined to overturn. "Our plans include proposing regulatory changes to remove H-4 dependent spouses from the class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation, thereby reversing the 2015 final rule that granted such eligibility," Cissna said in the letter to Senator Chuck Grassley. Democratic Congressmen Joe Crowley, Ami Bera and Raja Krishnamoorthi also joined hands with Jayapal over the H-1B and H4 visa issue. Trump's party man Republican Senator Thom Tillis backed Congressman Jayapal, asserting that President Trump wants to have an immigration system that "attracts and retains talent in the country". "The business people that I know in the Indian American community in North Carolina who have gotten American citizenship are extraordinary people. They love this country as much as I do as an American born citizen. They add a richness to our society that is very important," the Republican Senator from North Carolina said. "The president of the United States has a view that there is a place for legal immigration, work visas and green cards. Because I've heard him say it more than once. What we're trying to do is debate how you actually get to that policy," Tillis added.

H1-B visa row: Democrat Congresswoman, Republican Senator back US visa for spouses

An Indian-American scientist has been awarded a grant of over $1.1 million for his groundbreaking research on cancer.

Navin Vardarajan, along with another University of Houston researcher Sanghyuk Chung, were awarded huge grants by Cancer Prevention &amp; Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) , an organisation that funds pioneering cancer research and prevention programmes in the state.

Associate professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering, Navin was given USD 1,173,420 to improve the effectiveness of T-cell immunotherapy, while his fellow researcher Sanghyuk Chung, associate professor of biology and biochemistry, was awarded USD 811,617 to define molecular targets for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Varadarajan will use his grant to bring consistent results to cancer patients undergoing T-cell immunotherapy by manufacturing programmed T cells to meet, recognise and destroy tumours, a statement said.

&quot;We have to understand every single T cell and what each one is capable of,&quot; said Varadarajan, who is looking for a perfect cell composition in order to manufacture only those that cure tumours.

&quot;Once we know what is required to get a positive response, we can control the composition of the cells so that they all can work to fight cancer,&quot; he said.

Varadarajan said studying what makes better T cells will guide the development of the next generation of genetically modified cells, and all of immunotherapy in general.

&quot;The big challenge with T cells is that there isn&#39;t one single thing that can be used to define what a T cell is supposed to do. Because it&#39;s a living cell, it&#39;s capable of so many different things but studying them at the single-cell level allows us to map all of these different things onto the same cell,&quot; he said.

Although cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, there has been little progress in the treatment of it over the past decade.

Chung will use his award to delve into the little-researched topic - the role of oestrogen in the development of cervical cancer.

&quot;It is clearly demonstrated that human papillomavirus (HPV) is required for the development of cervical cancer, but evidence indicates that other co-factors are required for cervical cancer,&quot; Chung said.

Navin Vardarajan, along with another University of Houston researcher Sanghyuk Chung, were awarded huge grants by Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas

An Indian-American scientist has been awarded a grant of over $1.1 million for his groundbreaking research on cancer. Navin Vardarajan, along with another University of Houston researcher Sanghyuk Chung, were awarded huge grants by Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) , an organisation that funds pioneering cancer research and prevention programmes in the state. Associate professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering, Navin was given USD 1,173,420 to improve the effectiveness of T-cell immunotherapy, while his fellow researcher Sanghyuk Chung, associate professor of biology and biochemistry, was awarded USD 811,617 to define molecular targets for the treatment of cervical cancer. Varadarajan will use his grant to bring consistent results to cancer patients undergoing T-cell immunotherapy by manufacturing programmed T cells to meet, recognise and destroy tumours, a statement said. "We have to understand every single T cell and what each one is capable of," said Varadarajan, who is looking for a perfect cell composition in order to manufacture only those that cure tumours. "Once we know what is required to get a positive response, we can control the composition of the cells so that they all can work to fight cancer," he said. Varadarajan said studying what makes better T cells will guide the development of the next generation of genetically modified cells, and all of immunotherapy in general. "The big challenge with T cells is that there isn't one single thing that can be used to define what a T cell is supposed to do. Because it's a living cell, it's capable of so many different things but studying them at the single-cell level allows us to map all of these different things onto the same cell," he said. Although cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, there has been little progress in the treatment of it over the past decade. Chung will use his award to delve into the little-researched topic - the role of oestrogen in the development of cervical cancer. "It is clearly demonstrated that human papillomavirus (HPV) is required for the development of cervical cancer, but evidence indicates that other co-factors are required for cervical cancer," Chung said.

Indian-American scientist wins award for groundbreaking research on cancer

An Indian-origin owner of a motel was shot dead and four other people were injured in a shootout in the US state of North Carolina, police said.

Akash R Talati, 40, who owned Knights Inn and Diamondz Gentlemen&#39;s Club in Fayetteville city, was an innocent bystander when a man who had been escorted out of the club returned soon and exchanged gunfire with a security guard yesterday, police Detective Jamaal Littlejohn said.

Police said they were called to the club at 1:51 AM on Saturday.

Littlejohn said Markeese Dewitt, 23, of Fayetteville has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Littlejohn said Dewitt was shot four or five times and remained in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Centre, it was reported.

He said only Dewitt and the security guard exchanged gunfire and the others were bystanders.

One of the victims was in a fair condition at the hospital. The two others were treated and released.

Talati died at the hospital. He was&nbsp;reportedly from Anand in Gujarat.

Police have not released the names of three other people who were injured. Littlejohn said they included the security guard and a female employee of the club who operated the cash register.

Littlejohn said security escorted Dewitt out of the club because he had caused a disturbance. He said Dewitt appeared to have gone to his vehicle, got a gun, went back inside the club and started shooting.

Littlejohn said police have no idea what caused Dewitt to get kicked out of the club.

&quot;All we know is he got put out, he goes and gets a gun and it goes crazy from there,&quot; Littlejohn said.

External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday about Talati&#39;s death and confirmed&nbsp;that help will be provided to the family.&nbsp;

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Indian Embassy in US has informed me of the circumstances leading to the death of Akash Talati, a US citizen of Indian origin. /1
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/929673745249157121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The deceased was shot by an assailant who was escorted out of his club. The security guard returned the fire and the assailant was also injured. /2
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/929673941815238657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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We are in touch with the family of the deceased and will provide them all help. /3
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/929674014846468097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Detectives are actively investigating the homicide and shooting and have appealed to the public to contact them if they have any information on the incident.

External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday about Talati's death and confirmed?that help will be provided to the family.?

An Indian-origin owner of a motel was shot dead and four other people were injured in a shootout in the US state of North Carolina, police said. Akash R Talati, 40, who owned Knights Inn and Diamondz Gentlemen's Club in Fayetteville city, was an innocent bystander when a man who had been escorted out of the club returned soon and exchanged gunfire with a security guard yesterday, police Detective Jamaal Littlejohn said. Police said they were called to the club at 1:51 AM on Saturday. Littlejohn said Markeese Dewitt, 23, of Fayetteville has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Littlejohn said Dewitt was shot four or five times and remained in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Centre, it was reported. He said only Dewitt and the security guard exchanged gunfire and the others were bystanders. One of the victims was in a fair condition at the hospital. The two others were treated and released. Talati died at the hospital. He was reportedly from Anand in Gujarat. Police have not released the names of three other people who were injured. Littlejohn said they included the security guard and a female employee of the club who operated the cash register. Littlejohn said security escorted Dewitt out of the club because he had caused a disturbance. He said Dewitt appeared to have gone to his vehicle, got a gun, went back inside the club and started shooting. Littlejohn said police have no idea what caused Dewitt to get kicked out of the club. "All we know is he got put out, he goes and gets a gun and it goes crazy from there," Littlejohn said. External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday about Talati's death and confirmed that help will be provided to the family. Indian Embassy in US has informed me of the circumstances leading to the death of Akash Talati, a US citizen of Indian origin. /1 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 12, 2017 × The deceased was shot by an assailant who was escorted out of his club. The security guard returned the fire and the assailant was also injured. /2 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 12, 2017 × We are in touch with the family of the deceased and will provide them all help. /3 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 12, 2017 × Detectives are actively investigating the homicide and shooting and have appealed to the public to contact them if they have any information on the incident.

Indian-American motel owner shot dead in North Carolina

The non-resident Indians(NRIs) in the US today welcomed the cabinet&#39;s decision to allow proxy voting for&nbsp;overseas Indians.

The government had last week approved changes in electoral laws in India to allow NRIs to cast their vote in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections while living abroad, opening the gates for non-resident Indians to cast their votes through &quot;proxy&quot;.&nbsp;

Earlier, only service personnel were allowed to vote through &quot;proxy&quot;.

The Election Commission of India (EC) estimates that there are about 16 million Indian citizens living outside of which about 70 per cent are eligible to vote.&nbsp;

While significant portion of Indians live&nbsp;and work in&nbsp;the Middle East, in the US the estimate range from 800,000 to 1.5 million with several thousand belonging to Punjab, Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Telangana. An overwhelming majority of them are either university students or those on H-1B visas. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;We welcome this move,&quot; Thomas Abraham, chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) told PTI.

&quot;This is a very good move. But I have to figure it out, what is the process,&quot; said Sanjay Singh to PTI, a doctoral student at the University of Maryland.

The GOPIO also suggested that a proper representation must be provided to NRIs in the Indian Parliament with some&nbsp;suggesting Overseas Citizen of Indian (OCI) should be upgraded to dual nationality.&nbsp;

The Representation of the People Act would have to be amended for the decision to be implemented. The move will have to be finally approved by Parliament.

The government has set up a committee to look into the logistics of the voting process.

The government had last week approved changes in electoral laws in India to allow NRIs to cast their vote

The non-resident Indians(NRIs) in the US today welcomed the cabinet's decision to allow proxy voting for overseas Indians. The government had last week approved changes in electoral laws in India to allow NRIs to cast their vote in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections while living abroad, opening the gates for non-resident Indians to cast their votes through "proxy". Earlier, only service personnel were allowed to vote through "proxy". The Election Commission of India (EC) estimates that there are about 16 million Indian citizens living outside of which about 70 per cent are eligible to vote. While significant portion of Indians live and work in the Middle East, in the US the estimate range from 800,000 to 1.5 million with several thousand belonging to Punjab, Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Telangana. An overwhelming majority of them are either university students or those on H-1B visas. "We welcome this move," Thomas Abraham, chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) told PTI. "This is a very good move. But I have to figure it out, what is the process," said Sanjay Singh to PTI, a doctoral student at the University of Maryland. The GOPIO also suggested that a proper representation must be provided to NRIs in the Indian Parliament with some suggesting Overseas Citizen of Indian (OCI) should be upgraded to dual nationality. The Representation of the People Act would have to be amended for the decision to be implemented. The move will have to be finally approved by Parliament. The government has set up a committee to look into the logistics of the voting process.

NRIs welcome cabinet move to allow proxy voting

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