Latest news with #Syed
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Neurologist Dr Nadir Syed passes away at 60
Listen to article Dr Nadir Ali Syed, a leading Pakistani neurologist and senior faculty member at Aga Khan University, passed away in Karachi unexpectedly this morning at the age of 60. According to family sources, Dr Syed went to bathroom and locked the door. When he did not respond for an extended period, the door was forced open and he was found unresponsive. Dr Syed was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Dr Syed was widely known for his work in adult neurology, particularly in the treatment of epilepsy, stroke, and headache disorders. Most recently, he served as a clinical neurologist at South City Hospital and was part-time faculty at the Aga Khan University's Faculty of Health Sciences. An alumnus of Karachi Grammar School, Dr Syed graduated with honors from the Aga Khan University Hospital's MBBS program. He then proceeded to the United States for clinical training in neurology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, where he was appointed chief resident in one of the country's top neurology programs. He later completed a two-year fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, the world's largest biomedical research institution, where he gained expertise in complex neurological diagnostics. In 1998, Dr Syed returned to Pakistan to join the neurology faculty at AKUH. He was a key contributor to the development of the neurosciences curriculum and chaired the university's neurosciences module committee. Dr Syed also served as Associate Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education, led neurology section at AKUH to become the largest neurology department in the country. Dr Syed was a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (Neurology), the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (Clinical Neurophysiology). He authored over 25 international research publications and received numerous awards for his academic, clinical, and educational contributions.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Karnataka bus strike leaves passengers stranded, struggling with high fares
BENGALURU: It was surprising for Syed that there were private buses at Terminal 2 of KSRTC. "I was looking for a bus to Hassan to deliver a parcel. None in sight." Syed was not the only one to find the red and white buses of KSRTC being replaced by colored buses of private operators at the inter-city terminals in Majestic on Tuesday. Women with financial constraints who often availed themselves of the Shakti scheme also found themselves stuck in the unaffordable city. "We might go back to the govt hospital where we came to visit a relative of ours," said two women who work as labourers and are from Davangere. It is also the time for coffee plantation labour to arrive at farms in the Ghats, with families doing their annual travel to Sakalespur. A family from Assam said ,"We just reached from Assam by train and were hoping to take the govt bus. But here, private seater bus is charging Rs 2400 for five adults," said Mansura and her family. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Another family was heading to the red bus to go to Saklespur, knew they would earn Rs 5 a kg of coffee, but everything else seemed shrouded in uncertainty. "We are not sure what exactly the work there would be there. Now we are unsure how to get there." Long-distance passengers -- to Raichur, Mangaluru, and north Karnataka -- found themselves in a fix. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Real-Time Conversations in 68 Languages? AI Just Made It Possible Enence 2.0 Undo Those who could afford, set an ultimatum, and then jumped into a private bus. One of them was a passenger from Mangaluru who came to the city as a get-away -- "But it turned expensive. I have waited for three hours and I'm done. I'm taking the pvt bus although it's Rs 900 a ticket despite being non-AC!" A private bus operator said they were uncertain if they would get passengers back during the weekday, which also becomes a tricky situation for unviable routes. "Fewer operate to North Karnataka because of bad roads, the distance being extremely long," he added. The KSRTC depot saw more police personnel stationed for crowd control. "The crowd is expected to surge by late evening, and hence more of us are here," said the police personnel. Ramesh M: I was heading to Raichur with my wife for the Varamahalaxmi festival. Sarige would have cost her zero rupees and me Rs 600. But pvt buses charge Rs 800 a person. We are going back Banashankari. The to and fro auto charge has been Rs 600. Laxman Khayam: Three of us came from Jharkhand for a holiday. At Majestic, an auto shanghaied us into taking a ride to another bus stop 9kms away, and when there were no buses, we got back here, costing us Rs 2400. We have to go to Chitradurga. Durgamma: We came from Jagalur in Davanagere to the govt Kidwai hospital here to meet our relative. We usually take the free bus Sarige. We did not know about the strike. Now pvt buses demand Rs 500 a person. We do not know what to do, where to stay—some say we need to wait till later in the evening for KSRTC, but pvt buses say the strike will continue till tomorrow, asking us -- 'How long are you expecting to wait?' Vishnupriya: My sister and I travelled from Bellary last night by KSRTC Sarige bus for a job interview today. We did not know about the strike. We have been waiting for 15 minutes for a KSRTC to go back or will have to take the pvt bus, which costs Rs 700 a person. Nandan Aradhaya: The pvt bus charges Rs 50 usually, but today when getting here, it increased to Rs 100 a person. About 20 of us take the bus daily from Vijayapura in Devanahalli to Bengaluru for college. Each day is a struggle to go back -- buses come to KSRTC and wait for two hours at least. We reach home late at night. Our route is Majestic to Shidlaghatta, but at the same time, four buses head to Chikkaballapur -- It's a regular struggle for us. To add to it, today, we have waited for two hours for the KSRTC bus to leave.
Mid East Info
7 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Real Estate Records AED 49.7 Billion in Transactions in July 2025 as Off-Plan Dominates Market Activity
AED 49.7 billion worth of property transactions recorded in July 2025 across 18,191 deals. Off-plan accounted for 74% of total activity, with investor and end-user demand driving project launches. Dubai, UAE – August 2025: Dubai's real estate market recorded AED 49.67 billion in transactions in July 2025, reflecting a 12.09% increase from June and a 24.8% rise year-on-year. A total of 18,191 deals were registered – up 16.5% month-on-month and 21.5% annually – underscoring the market's momentum heading into H2. Off-plan transactions accounted for 74.26% of activity, supported by a broader end-user base, enhanced affordability measures, and rising investor appetite in emerging corridors. 'Transaction volumes are holding steady at a high base, supported by the scale and pace of new project launches,' said Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties. 'We're seeing particular strength in the off-plan segment where developers are responding to buyer expectations with flexible payment plans, and integrated masterplans designed for long-term community living'. 'What defines today's market is clarity – buyers are better informed, more intentional, and focused on tangible value – from quality of product to delivery timelines,' Syed added. As Dubai's infrastructure expands and masterplanned communities evolve, demand is shifting beyond traditional prime areas toward developments offering long-term value and livability. The current cycle is shaped by informed buyers, diversified capital allocation, and sustained confidence in the emirate's real estate fundamentals — underpinned by consistent transaction growth, flexible financing, and a deepening commitment to quality delivery across segments. About Springfield Properties: Springfield Properties, headquartered in Dubai, is a beacon of innovation and excellence in the real estate industry. With a team of over 140 dedicated realtors, we are committed to reshaping the financial landscape with a forward-thinking, human-centric approach. Our mission revolves around assisting value-driven investors, individuals, and businesses in achieving financial success while upholding the highest standards of integrity and market expertise. We understand that every client is unique, and our goal is to provide tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. As a dynamic force in the real estate industry, we seamlessly blend innovation and expertise to deliver exceptional results. We harness the power of real-time, data-driven insights while maintaining a deep understanding of the ever-evolving financial landscape in the UAE. Springfield Properties earned the trust of our clients through unmatched market insight and a commitment to excellence. Since our establishment in 2008, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to meet and exceed our clients' expectations.
NZ Herald
02-08-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Notorious conman behind bars after 14-year manhunt
'I'd rank it No 1. There's some good results from bigger cases, but this one was very satisfying,' he said. 'Because it was so difficult and it took so long. He raised every single obstacle that he possibly could to avoid ending up at a substantive hearing.' Van Leewarden said parallel recovery action against Ali and WGA had recovered $7m, which was distributed in 2022 and gave his clients returns of 18c on the dollar. 'We would regard 10% as a good recovery. So 18% is really good,' he said. 'And then, of course, subsequent to that, he's arrested and he's convicted. I suppose it's a small consolation to the victims, some of them were completely decimated, financially, emotionally and physically.' Warden said Syed is contesting the guilty verdicts, and the Swiss justice system extends the presumption of innocence until proven guilty until the appeals process is exhausted. Ahsan Ali Syed Syed ran a seemingly well-resourced finance operation with lavish offices in Switzerland and Bahrain. Photo / Supplied Van Leewarden was unwilling to identify the fraud victim he represented, citing privacy and legal privilege. Reports from the time WGA was active in 2010-11 reveal Wellington Phoenix owner and Apprentice New Zealand host Terry Serepisos and former NZ Mint owner Gary McNabb were among the New Zealand victims of the multimillion-dollar fraud. Syed had run a seemingly well-resourced finance operation with lavish offices in Switzerland and Bahrain, and claimed to have $8 billion available in finance. WGA made generous-looking loan offers to a number of businessmen and developers suffering through the post-Global Financial Crisis credit crunch in 2010-11. No clients ever received loans, Swiss prosecutors claim, with WGA allegedly just a vehicle to fleece victims. '[The] sole interest and intention was that these companies would transfer the largest possible sums of money to [Syed] or the Western Gulf Advisory group and that he could use these sums of money to finance a luxurious lifestyle for himself and his family,' the indictment said. Proceeds were used by Syed to buy a private jet, a football team, and employ a small army of publicists, security guards and assistants. During Serepisos' struggles against liquidation in late 2010 and 2011, Syed was said to be considering becoming a co-owner of the Wellington Phoenix. Van Leewarden first became involved chasing Syed by representing McNabb, but over time he signed up other victims – mostly from Australia, but also one in Russia – to broaden the case, split costs and increase possible recoveries. The trail led from Syed's birthplace in India to London, where he presented as a finance tycoon and conducted due diligence purportedly considering an offer for English Premier League team Blackburn Rovers. He spent time in Spain, became a short-lived local hero by buying the ailing La Liga team Racing Santander in 2010, before the team collapsed into bankruptcy once alarms started being sounded about WGA. Marks were targeted mostly in New Zealand and Australia, typically businessmen down to their last few million and desperate for refinancing. Contracts were signed in Bahrain and Amsterdam before money was sent to Switzerland. The multiple jurisdictions made it difficult for any single national authority to take responsibility for the case, van Leewarden said. 'That's the way that they operate, and generally they're going to get away with it unless there's a real overall focus on it,' he said. He said the Serious Fraud Office was unable to provide any assistance. After the balloon went up and complaints of fraud began circulating in the media and courtrooms, Syed retreated to Bahrain and spent more than six years contesting fraud claims pushed by van Leewarden that ended in disappointment. Van Leewarden chooses his words carefully, talking about justice in the Gulf enclave: 'I had a number of briefings with the prosecutors in Bahrain. They didn't really have an appetite for the case, and they seemed anyway to arrive at a position whereby what had happened were just normal commercial transactions.' Syed then fled to Turkey, becoming a citizen there and abandoning his Indian passport, before authorities in Ankara stripped him of citizenship in 2022 and he relocated once more to London. It was then late 2022 and, arriving at London airport, Syed's luck finally ran out. Arrested by English police on a 2013 Swiss warrant for fraud that demanded extradition, Syed spent two years behind bars in Britain before his appeals against being deported were exhausted. In late 2024 he made his final journey to Switzerland where Swiss prosecutors and a New Zealand private investigator were waiting for him to finally face the music. Matt Nippert is an Auckland-based investigations reporter covering white-collar and transnational crimes and the intersection of politics and business. In 2011 he broke the first story about Western Gulf Advisory being an apparent advance fee fraud. He has won more than a dozen awards for his journalism – including twice being named Reporter of the Year – and joined the Herald in 2014 after having spent the decade prior reporting from business newspapers and national magazines.
Politico
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Danny Davis is making news
Good Thursday morning, Illinois. July sure flew by. Illinois Playbook at the Hideout on Aug. 7 features Congressman Mike Quigley. Details here TOP TALKER END OF AN ERA: After more than four decades as a fixture in Illinois politics, Congressman Danny Davis is expected to announce today that he won't seek reelection in 2026 to his 7th District seat. More from the home page. Talk about longevity: At 83, Davis is one of the most senior members of the House, both in age and tenure. His expected retirement marks not only the close of a storied chapter but the beginning of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race for his seat — which Davis has held since 1997. Before that he served on the Cook County Board and the Chicago City Council. Davis is a progressive with deep roots in Chicago's Black political tradition. He's known for an unwavering focus on Civil Rights issues, affordable housing, health equity and reentry reform for former prisoners — as well as that resonant voice. At a press conference this morning, Davis is also expected to endorse state Rep. La Shawn Ford, an ally who's already jumped in the race. SCOOP: City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is jumping in, too. She's out today with an announcement video that strikes a populist tone: 'Those landlords? They're going to pay to fix those properties.' Watch it here Others in the race: Attorney and former Davis chief of staff Richard Boykin, entrepreneur Jason Friedman and Marine-turned-comedian John McCombs. Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability President Anthony Driver Jr. is expected to jump in too. And others are mulling a bid. More from the Tribune and the Sun-Times. THE BUZZ SCOOP: State Rep. Nabeela Syed, a two-term Democrat who upset a Republican in her first political campaign in 2022, hopes to do the same thing in 2026 as she runs for state Senate. High-stakes: The 26-year-old Syed is challenging Republican state Sen. Darby Hills, who was just appointed to the seat after Dan McConchie resigned to lead a nonprofit advocacy group. The race is shaping up to be among the most contested legislative races in November. The seat has been held by Republicans for years, including by McConchie, the former Senate minority leader. Why she's running: 'This community isn't just where I work,' Syed said in an interview. 'It's home. I got into politics because I wanted to bring better representation to my community and since then I've worked really hard to be present and accountable to the people,' she said, adding she wants to bring that same energy and vision to the state Senate. Syed is one of the youngest members in the General Assembly, winning her House seat in 2022 by knocking on doors. She eked out a 6-point win in a swingy northwest suburban district. Two years later, she doubled that margin. The district spans both her own House district (the 51st) and that of Republican state Rep. Marty McLaughlin (52nd), who narrowly won re-election in 2024. Since there's no other Democrat expected in the race, Syed is focusing on the November contest. The district is primed for change, says Syed. She says voters she's talked to aren't concerned about party affiliation but about 'my dedication to advocating for policies that would help them. And that's what I've been doing in the General Assembly and plan to communicate that to folks across the 26th District.' WHERE'S JB At Chute Middle School in Evanston at 1 p.m. to sign legislation to implement universal mental health screenings in Illinois schools — At Bridgeport Art Center at 6 p.m. to accept the Champion for Families Award from One Family Illinois, which recognizes 'the state's efforts supporting the well-being of youth.' WHERE's BRANDON At the Hyatt Regency Chicago at 7 p.m. for the National Bar Association's gala. Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Democratic governors have a fix for the party: Themselves: The governors are 'fond of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as well as Kentucky's Andy Beshear, if somewhat more skeptical either can claim a nomination and general election. Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer is well-liked, especially among the other women governors, but there are doubts she'll run for president. And former Rhode Island Governor-turned-Commerce-Secretary Gina Raimondo has her admirers. They're less enamored with California's Gavin Newsom, to put it mildly,' by POLITICO's Jonathan 'JMart' Martin. — In IL-09: Bruce Leon made it official Wednesday. He's running for Congress in the 9th District to fill the open seat now held by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. 'I'm running because I believe the people of the 9th District deserve leadership that bridges divides rather than deepens them,' Leon said in a statement. 'Our challenges demand practical solutions — not rigid ideology.' Leon is an entrepreneur who is self-funding his campaign. He also serves as Democratic committeeman in the 50th Ward. — In IL-09: State Sen. Mike Simmons is out with his first round of endorsements in his bid for the open congressional seat. Among those backing him are Chicago Ald. Maria Hadden, former Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris and state Sen. Rachel Ventura. Here's the full list -— In IL-09: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has been endorsed by the Iron Workers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity in his bid for the congressional seat. — In IL-02: Robert Peters has been endorsed by The People's Lobby, known for its field organizing efforts. — In IL-02: Yumeka Brown is out with an updated endorsement list in her bid for Congress in the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who is running for Senate next year. Country Club Hills Mayor James Ford and Sauk Village Mayor Marva Campbell Pruitt are among those backing Brown, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Here's the list — Cook County board race: Elizabeth Granato has been endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) in her bid for the Cook County board. 'On the County Board, voters can trust her to make sure nobody is left behind, that wealthy corporations pay their fair share, and the MAGA agenda is stopped dead in its tracks,' Schakowsky said in a statement. MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. THE STATEWIDES — OPINION: Pritzker, Welch and Harmon: Homeowners deserve transparency from State Farm, not unexplained rate hikes: 'At a time when the cost of living — particularly housing — is increasingly onerous for families across our state, State Farm's move requires careful scrutiny and full transparency,' write the top Democratic leaders in the Tribune. — Illinois Secretary of State launches campaign to end 'unfair and discriminatory' car insurance rate practices, by WTTW's Eunice Alpasan — OPINION: Trump's cuts costing Black women their jobs, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Women Employed CEO Cherita Ellens write in the Tribune CHICAGO — CHICAGO JOE: Former President Joe Biden will be in town tonight speaking at the National Bar Association's Centennial Convention. National Playbook has a take about how his life has quieted down. — Acting CTA chief makes her case for keeping the permanent job: 'Unlike her predecessor, who seldom if ever rode the system he was tasked with leading, interim CTA President Nora Leerhsen told a Council Transportation Committee on Wednesday she has taken more than 450 rides on the CTA over the last year,' by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Federal funding for gun violence prevention axed by Trump administration — including grants to Chicago, by Reuters' Bianca Flowers — Chinatown residents question benefits of planned Chicago Fire stadium, by the Sun-Times' Kade Heather COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Northwestern's new Ryan Field is taking shape nicely, but will football Saturdays live up to the hype? by the Sun-Times' Steve Greenberg — Arlington Park 40 years ago: Racetrack's regulars recall devastating blaze, by the Daily Herald's Christopher Placek ILLINOIS' POPE — Pope Leo gets surprise Chicago pizza delivery while riding through Saint Peter's Square, via USA Today TAKING NAMES — Melissa Winter, who was Michelle Obama's first hire on the campaign trail and has been with her ever since, is taking on a new role with the Obama Foundation. Read our homepage story here. — Abdon Pallasch and Bob Herguth won 1st and 2nd place in the Green Eyeshade contest — the awards for Southern journalism — for their podcast The Rebel Kind about a Chicago trucker-turned-spy who helped save the Irish peace process. Pallasch is a former Sun-Times reporter who is now the director of communications for Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Herguth writes for the Sun-Times. Reader Digest We asked about wild things you've seen in virtual meetings. Robert Barry: 'Someone dialed in on their cell phone — not realizing the video was on and we could see and hear them at a restaurant having breakfast with a full view of the dining room.' Ed Epstein: 'A cat sitting contentedly on a coworker's head.' Mark Fowler, executive director of the Northwest Municipal Conference: 'We were on a Zoom with over 50 mayors in the region and were interrupted by someone ordering two chicken dinners from a drive-thru.' Raymond Sendejas: 'During the height of Covid, my wife, Erika Poethig, was working for the White House and in a big Zoom meeting was when our then 7-year-old son chose to go full Spider-Man and climb the wall behind her in full view of everyone on the call. People still ask her about it!' Scott Simon: 'One of our producers had to duck away from the screen to get something, leaving their cat onscreen to nod sagely at everything we said.' NEXT QUESTION: What's a wild moment you've had getting signatures for candidate petitions? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth were among Democrats voting to block arms sales to Israel. More via POLITICO — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) led a group of more than 30 House Democrats demanding answers from Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano about concerns from constituents who are 'struggling to access benefits,' according to their letter. The lawmakers urged Bisignano to take steps to improve customer service by rolling back the Trump administration's cuts and changes to Social Security Administration. — Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) is featured in the One Decision podcast calling Tulsi Gabbard a 'certified idiot,' adding that her appointment to head National Security 'is far beyond the pale.' Listen here THE NATIONAL TAKE — Kamala Harris won't run for California governor, by POLITICO's Melanie Mason — 47 things Trump would rather talk about than Jeffrey Epstein, via POLITICO — Winklevoss brothers pressed Trump to dump pick for top Wall Street regulator, by POLITICO's Declan Harty and Sophia Cai EVENTS — Aug. 6: The Young Democrats of Chicago hold their summer social organized by Democratic Committee members Paul Rosenfeld and Lucy Moog of the 47th and 43rd wards, respectively. Details here — Aug. 20: State Rep. Kelly Cassidy's summer fundraiser will feature Illinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Mary Kay Minaghan and Ed Mazur for correctly answering that Ralph Metcalfe was the Olympic gold medalist who went on to serve in the Chicago City Council and U.S. House. Metcalfe, a sprinter, won his gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics in the 4x100 relay. TODAY's QUESTION: Who did the Chicago Cubs trade to get Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former House GOP leader Tom Cross, Former state Rep. Mary Flowers, former state Rep. Helene Miller-Walsh, Edwardsville Township Supervisor Kevin Hall, Chicago Mayor's Political Director Christian Perry, First Assistant Deputy Gov. for Budget Amanda Elliott, Sen. Dick Durbin's Legislative Director James Floyd, real estate attorney Langdon Neal, ADL Midwest Chief of Staff David Goldenberg, U.N. Foundation Senior Director of Advocacy Micah Spangler and Public Communications Inc.'s Katie Heinz. -30-
