Latest news with #Indian-American
India Today
20 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
From Agra to edge of space: Arvi Bahal to fly on Bezos' Blue Origin spaceflight
India-born businessman Arvi Bahal is all set to travel to space aboard Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin NS-34 mission. This mission is the 14th human flight under the New Shepard programme and the 34th in its history. Indian-American Bahal will travel to space as part of the six-member far, Blue Origin has flown 70 people above the Karaman line, the internationally recognised boundary of space, offering brief moments of weightlessness and a panoramic view of the Karman Line, set at an altitude of 100 kilometres above sea level, is widely recognised as the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space. The live webcast on launch day will start 30 minutes before lift off, according to the US-based space technology Bahal on the flight are Turkish businessman Gkhan Erdem, meteorologist Deborah Martorell, teacher Lionel Pitchford, repeat flier JD Russell, and Justin Sun – a tech entrepreneur and the original $28 million winning bidder for the first New Shepard seat in IS ARVI BAHAL?Arvi Bahal is a real estate investor born in Agra and is now a naturalised US citizen.A lifelong traveller and adventurer, Bahal has visited every country in the world, the North and South Poles, and skydived on Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza. He holds a private pilot's licence and also flies helicopters, according to Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp expressed enthusiasm for the company's mission, highlighting the growing momentum of its space tourism program."Looking forward to our sixth New Shepard launch this year and welcoming back our fifth astronaut to fly twice! Proud to have this international crew as we continue opening up space to people from all backgrounds," Limp said in a post on Gopichand Thotakura was the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist as part of Blue Origin's New Shepard-25 (NS-25) ACCOMPANYING ARVI BAHAL ALSO BIG LEAGUERSGkhan Erdem is a Turkish businessman and a board member of Erdem Holding, a diverse group of companies operating in the energy, telecommunications, construction, and manufacturing of his professional responsibilities, Gkhan is a passionate space enthusiast and an avid photographer. Deeply inspired by space exploration, he dreams of one day travelling to the International Space Station and possibly even beyond, Blue Origin wrote on its third crew member's name is Deborah Martorell. She is a Puerto Rican meteorologist and journalist. Her reporting on environmental and space topics has garnered eight Emmy Awards and two Awards of Excellence in Science Reporting from the American Meteorological Society, according to Blue fourth crew member is Lionel Pitchford, an Englishman who has spent the last four decades in Spain working as a teacher, translator, and tour guide as a means to travel the world. In 1992, following a plane crash with his sister and her family onboard, Lionel founded a nonprofit in Nepal dedicated to serving disadvantaged children and girls, Blue Origin fifth member is JD Russel, an entrepreneur and founder of Alpha Funds, a technology-focused venture capital company, and Alpha Aerospace, an aerospace consulting and solutions company. He founded the Victoria Russell Foundation to honour the memory of his deceased foundation is dedicated to supporting children's education and assisting the families of first responders, Bezos's Blue Origin wrote about his Sun is the Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the World Trade Organisation, founder of TRON - a cryptocurrency with an associated blockchain DAO ecosystem, and advisor to HTX - one of the world's largest crypto exchanges. A protege of Alibaba's Jack Ma, Sun was featured on the cover of Forbes Magazine in April 2025, where he was recognised as one of the most dynamic and outspoken figures in crypto, earning the moniker "Crypto's Billionaire Barker" for his bold approach to innovation, advocacy, and industry leadership.- EndsMust Watch
Economic Times
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
'No one's getting married… but everyone's invited': Indians abroad join the ‘Fake Indian wedding' trend
Agencies A unique celebration is heading to Frankfurt this summer. On August 9, the German city will host a large-scale 'fake wedding' event, complete with wedding decor, choreographed entries, and dancing baraatis - but no actual marriage. The event named under 'Band Baaja Baarat- No one's getting married… but EVERYONE's invited' is drawing attention for offering a wedding-themed party without the pressure or commitments of a real event will give guests a chance to enjoy the best parts of a wedding - DJ sets, cocktails, dance performances, and a curated guest list along with the traditional rituals, but minus the family drama. 'No Drama, Just Dancing': What to expect in the 'wedding' According to event teasers and past editions, the August 9 event will feature: Delhi-NCR sets the stage for the trend While the concept is now reaching Europe, Delhi-NCR has already seen a wave of such celebrations over the past few months. Social media is full of videos from 'fake weddings' held at local clubs and event venues across Gurugram and South Delhi, where guests dress up in lehengas and sherwanis for an all-night party without an actual couple tying the events are typically designed around a fully staged wedding setup, complete with varmala exchanges, photographers, and even impromptu skits. Guests often play roles, from bride and groom to enthusiastic relatives. The aim is to relive or simulate a big fat Indian wedding without the social and financial strings attached. What's driving the popularity of 'fake weddings'? The rise of fake weddings, especially among millennials and Gen Z, points to a shift in how social gatherings are being reimagined. Organizers say these parties offer a blend of nostalgia and freedom - allowing people to experience the grandeur of a wedding celebration without the associated cultural connection with weddings has made it a natural ground for the rising trend of fake wedding events. In fast-paced urban environments where traditional celebrations are less frequent, these events offer an opportunity for people to reconnect with familiar rituals in a light-hearted setting. With no real marriage involved, the focus is purely on enjoyment, highlighting how modern audiences are embracing celebration as an experience in the format also creates space for inclusive celebrations - open to singles, couples, and groups of friends alike, without the cultural restrictions of a traditional ceremony. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO. Central banks' existential crisis — between alchemy and algorithm What if Tata Motors buys Iveco's truck unit? Will it propel or drag like JLR? Paid less than plumbers? The real story of freshers' salaries at Infy, TCS. Stock Radar: HDFC AMC gives a breakout from Cup & Handle pattern to hit fresh highs – time to buy or book profits? These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 20% Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Stock picks of the week: 4 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 19% in 1 year
News18
21 hours ago
- Business
- News18
In Pictures: Gita Gopinath, The Indian Mind Behind IMF's Global Economic Response
1/7 Gita Gopinath is an Indian-American economist and the first woman to serve as the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). (ILLUSTRATION: NEWS18) Gita was the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard, when she was offered a position at IMF. (Image: News18 Creative) 3/7 Over the years, Gita Gopinath has held several prestigious positions across esteemed organisations. (Image: News18 Creative) Prior to becoming a US citizen, Gita did her graduation and post-graduation from Delhi University. (Image: News18 Creative) Gita became a tenured professor at Harvard in the year 2010. Eight years later, she created history by becoming the first female chief economist at IMF. (Image: News18 Creative) From being chosen a Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum to being elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, her laurels are many. (Image: News18 Creative) 7/7
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Bollywood couple's $4 million scam duped over 100 in Texas property deals
"We're watching you.' That's the message US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been sending for months to undocumented immigrants with pending criminal charges. But a celebrity couple from India—well known for their stage performances and social media presence—appeared to believe their public profile would shield them. They were wrong. ICE in June 2025 detained Sidhartha 'Sammy' Mukherjee, husband of Bollywood singer Sunita Mukherjee, in connection with a $4 million (approximately Rs 34.5 crore) real estate fraud targeting members of the Indian-American community in North Texas. Business Standard confirmed through ICE's Online Detainee Locator System that Mukherjee is currently being held at the Prairieland Detention Centre. He was taken into custody just weeks after being released on a $500,000 bond in a felony theft case. His wife, Sunita, was also charged. The Mukherjees were once familiar faces in Dallas-area cultural events, known for Bollywood-style performances and lavish parties. But behind the glamour, investigators allege, was a scheme that duped over 100 people with fake property investment deals. The case began unfolding in 2023 when Euless Police Detective Brian Brennan opened an inquiry after a couple reported losing $325,000. What followed was a trail of forged contracts, receipts, and emails purporting to be linked to city-backed housing projects. When Brennan contacted the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA), they denied any such projects or partnerships. The arrest affidavit described all documentation provided by the Mukherjees as forged. 'All fake,' Brennan told CBS. 'It had to be a full-time job for him to do that.' How the fraud spread and who was targeted According to the affidavit reviewed by CBS, the couple allegedly ran a multi-pronged scam involving phoney firms, fabricated payrolls, and pandemic-era PPP loans. In one case, Sammy denied recognising several employee names listed on a PPP loan application. Investigators later found the identities were fictitious. The couple also reportedly targeted elderly victims using threatening emails to coerce payments under false claims of pending arrest. Some victims were told they owed law enforcement money. When questioned, Mukherjee claimed the deposits were for a hotel project funded by a deceased associate. Officials did not believe the explanation. What the victims said 'They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople,' Terry Parvaga, one of the alleged victims told CBC. 'But they will take every single penny you have.' Forensic accountants later identified at least 20 confirmed victims, with more than 100 individuals possibly affected. Brennan described Sammy as 'probably the most prolific fraudster I've seen' in his 23-year career. Public image, arrest and what next Despite the ongoing investigation, the Mukherjees maintained an active public image. In May 2024, they hosted a high-profile charity event featuring a Bollywood celebrity and the mayor of Plano. CBS found that the nonprofit organising the event was registered to the couple's home—the same house where they were arrested weeks later. The FBI is now leading the probe. There are concerns that funds may have been moved into crypto assets or hidden abroad. The couple filed for bankruptcy last year. ICE took Sammy Mukherjee into custody shortly after his release on bond of $500,000. According to CBS, the couple had entered the US seeking asylum. Their immigration status is still unclear. Some victims have submitted documents suggesting Mukherjee may also be wanted for fraud in Mumbai. Dozens of victims are now left chasing both justice and restitution. Investigators have warned that much of the money may already be gone. 'I think it's gone,' Brennan said. 'I think they've spent it on cars, their house, and in just living expenses.' Trump's crackdown The case emerges amid a renewed immigration crackdown under US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to remove undocumented immigrants, particularly those with pending criminal charges. ICE has already deported nearly 150,00 individuals since January, including around 70,000 with criminal convictions. But, many of these offenses were minor- traffic violations or immigration related infractions, CBS News reported.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Foreign News Schedule for Jul 22, Tuesday
Agency: PTI Last Updated: **** Bangladesh school jet crash death toll rises to 27. Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath to leave IMF to rejoin Harvard University faculty. Trump escalates battle with Wall Street Journal over Epstein story. Stories on developments in Pakistan. Stories on political developments in Bangladesh. Stories on Russia-Ukraine war. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
