Latest news with #VikasTandon
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Latvia here we come! Rich Indians' ticket to Europe
Live Events Mumbai: They don't belong to the club of the ultra-rich who pick a pricey passport of the Global North. They neither feature in the cast of serious characters snooping around for citizenship of a Caribbean or South Pacific nation, to escape the law enforcement authorities in India. They are IT professionals, exporters, physicians, and entrepreneurs - a reasonably affluent lot-looking for a free access and foothold in Europe without surrendering their Indian citizenships or shelling out big money on fancy migration of them are opting for Latvia, the Baltic country which has joined the game of golden visa in full earnest-positioning itself as the cheapest gateway to the continent. "As of 2024, Indian nationals may account for approximately 10% of all applications to Latvia 's 'Residence by Investment' programme. Following Latvia's 2022 exclusion of Russian and Belarusian applicants, there has been a noticeable shift in the nationalities of applicants and we have seen a rise in demand from Indian families," said Rohit Bhardwaj, country head, India at Henley & Partners which offers investment migration Indians, keen on a plan-B with their children settling abroad, have changed residency with the intention of eventually becoming a citizen of countries like Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and UAE that levies no personal income tax. The trend deepened with the pandemic, driving many to move wealth and buy jumbo life insurance plans in overseas jurisdictions.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)"I would attribute the increased interest in Latvia to two factors: first, the low cash outflow at entry-only ₹60,000 plus fees compared to ₹500,000 for most other European countries; second, faster processing time. Programmes like the Portugal Golden Visa, though superior, have done themselves no favour by changes in rules and long bureaucratic delays," said Vikas Tandon, who had successfully applied for Portuguese golden visa in 2020, and founded the company Golden Homes Portugal, using his expertise to advise investment going into private companies identified by Latvian authorities is a sunk cost, with no voting rights and only half of which can be recovered if the visa is relinquished. Instead, some buy homes which would cost ₹250,000. "Latvia supports both routes, with clear legal frameworks and minimal bureaucratic hurdles. While investing in foreign companies involves additional disclosures and compliance with regulations like reporting of ODI, the strategic benefits outweigh the procedural formalities," said Moin Ladha, partner at Khaitan & Co. Under India's forex laws, Indian nationals can invest abroad, including capital and current account to Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, a citizenship investment advisory, the majority of its clients interested in accessing the Latvia programme are Indian citizens. "We've observed a 30% year-on-year increase in Indian inquiries since 2023. Many are entrepreneurs and SME owners who desire EU access without high costs associated with Germany or the Netherlands. With several EU nations increasing minimum investment thresholds, or closing programmes, Latvia offers the freedom to live, travel, and work at an attractive price point," said Arton. A few plan to settle at Riga after retirement, said Anurag Manakikar, associate director at Henley, who advised a senior corporate the programme has been there for long, there has been greater awareness as people looked around for options, said Manakikar. What also stoked interest was the high rejection in Schengen visa applications and absence of minimum stay requirement in Latvia."However, to derive real benefit, a person has to reside or settle in Latvia or any other preferred country. If someone continues to reside in India, he would remain a resident here under the Income Tax Act and FEMA. So, benefits would be confined to non-requirement of visa in Europe," said Rajesh Shah, partner at the CA firm Jayantilal Thakkar & Company.A property investment in Dubai for a UAE Golden visa could work better if tax is the sole consideration for anyone planning to become an NRI. Unlike Portugal's Golden Visa, which requires a minimum stay of only 15 days every 2 years to become eligible for an EU passport (after only 5 years since date of application), a Latvian passport requires becoming a physical resident for almost a decade. Nonetheless, for many, Latvia's low cost is the pull factor.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Latvia here we come! Rich Indians' ticket to Europe
Mumbai: They don't belong to the club of the ultra-rich who pick a pricey passport of the Global North. They neither feature in the cast of serious characters snooping around for citizenship of a Caribbean or South Pacific nation, to escape the law enforcement authorities in India. They are IT professionals, exporters, physicians, and entrepreneurs - a reasonably affluent lot-looking for a free access and foothold in Europe without surrendering their Indian citizenships or shelling out big money on fancy migration programmes. Settling Abroad Some of them are opting for Latvia, the Baltic country which has joined the game of golden visa in full earnest-positioning itself as the cheapest gateway to the continent. "As of 2024, Indian nationals may account for approximately 10% of all applications to Latvia 's 'Residence by Investment' programme. Following Latvia's 2022 exclusion of Russian and Belarusian applicants, there has been a noticeable shift in the nationalities of applicants and we have seen a rise in demand from Indian families," said Rohit Bhardwaj, country head, India at Henley & Partners which offers investment migration advisory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Wealthy Indians, keen on a plan-B with their children settling abroad, have changed residency with the intention of eventually becoming a citizen of countries like Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and UAE that levies no personal income tax. The trend deepened with the pandemic, driving many to move wealth and buy jumbo life insurance plans in overseas jurisdictions. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "I would attribute the increased interest in Latvia to two factors: first, the low cash outflow at entry-only ₹60,000 plus fees compared to ₹500,000 for most other European countries; second, faster processing time. Programmes like the Portugal Golden Visa, though superior, have done themselves no favour by changes in rules and long bureaucratic delays," said Vikas Tandon, who had successfully applied for Portuguese golden visa in 2020, and founded the company Golden Homes Portugal, using his expertise to advise others. Live Events Benefits Outweigh Formalities The investment going into private companies identified by Latvian authorities is a sunk cost, with no voting rights and only half of which can be recovered if the visa is relinquished. Instead, some buy homes which would cost ₹250,000. "Latvia supports both routes, with clear legal frameworks and minimal bureaucratic hurdles. While investing in foreign companies involves additional disclosures and compliance with regulations like reporting of ODI, the strategic benefits outweigh the procedural formalities," said Moin Ladha, partner at Khaitan & Co. Under India's forex laws, Indian nationals can invest abroad, including capital and current account transactions. According to Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, a citizenship investment advisory, the majority of its clients interested in accessing the Latvia programme are Indian citizens. "We've observed a 30% year-on-year increase in Indian inquiries since 2023. Many are entrepreneurs and SME owners who desire EU access without high costs associated with Germany or the Netherlands. With several EU nations increasing minimum investment thresholds, or closing programmes, Latvia offers the freedom to live, travel, and work at an attractive price point," said Arton. A few plan to settle at Riga after retirement, said Anurag Manakikar, associate director at Henley, who advised a senior corporate honcho. Greater Awareness While the programme has been there for long, there has been greater awareness as people looked around for options, said Manakikar. What also stoked interest was the high rejection in Schengen visa applications and absence of minimum stay requirement in Latvia. "However, to derive real benefit, a person has to reside or settle in Latvia or any other preferred country. If someone continues to reside in India, he would remain a resident here under the Income Tax Act and FEMA. So, benefits would be confined to non-requirement of visa in Europe," said Rajesh Shah, partner at the CA firm Jayantilal Thakkar & Company. A property investment in Dubai for a UAE Golden visa could work better if tax is the sole consideration for anyone planning to become an NRI. Unlike Portugal's Golden Visa, which requires a minimum stay of only 15 days every 2 years to become eligible for an EU passport (after only 5 years since date of application), a Latvian passport requires becoming a physical resident for almost a decade. Nonetheless, for many, Latvia's low cost is the pull factor.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Delhi teen's 12-hour-a-day gaming addiction leads to partial paralysis, bent spine
A 19-year-old boy in Delhi had to undergo a spinal surgery after he suffered from partial paralysis from gaming addiction for PubG and remaining isolated in his room for over 12 time, he developed a bent spine and began losing control over his bladder, signs that the spinal cord was under almost a year, his condition had silently worsened due to undiagnosed spinal tuberculosis (TB), and by the time he reached the hospital, he was struggling to walk and even pass Doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) noticed a severe deformity in his spine—a dangerous condition called kypho-scoliosis, which involves both forward and sideways revealed that tuberculosis had infected two of his spinal bones (D11 and D12), leading to pus formation and pressure on his spinal cord."This was a challenging case due to the double burden of advanced spinal TB and the impact of long-term gaming addiction," said Dr Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC. Due to gaming addiction, the Delhi teen developed a bent spine and began losing control over his bladder, signs that the spinal cord was under pressure. () advertisementTo fix the issue, the medical team used spinal navigation technology, a modern technique that helps surgeons place screws and align the spine with high precision, similar to how GPS guides a surgery involved decompressing the spinal cord, correcting the spine's shape, and stabilising it with a few days of the surgery, the teen began to show signs of recovery. He regained control over his bladder and started walking again, showing clear signs that the pressure on his spinal cord had been the disease, the case was a stark reminder of how mental health, screen addiction, and physical problems can be deeply connected."We are seeing more adolescents with bone and joint problems due to prolonged screen use, poor posture, and lack of movement," he said. More adolescents are suffering from bone and joint problems due to prolonged screen use, poor posture, and lack of movement. () The boy is now undergoing rehabilitation, which includes physiotherapy to strengthen his body and counselling to address his gaming recovery is being closely monitored to ensure he can return to a normal life—both physically and mentally."This case shows why early medical attention, parental awareness, and regular physical activity are so important. Gaming addiction can be more dangerous than it looks, especially when it hides symptoms of serious illnesses like spinal TB," Dr Tandon the teen continues his journey of healing, doctors hope his story serves as a reminder to families to look beyond the screen, and pay attention to both the physical and emotional health of Watch
Hans India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Can PUBG addiction damage your spine, cause paralysis?
New Delhi: Are you addicted to playing online games like PUBG? Prolonged gaming addiction can lead to spinal deformity and paralysis, said doctors here, who treated a 19-year-old boy suffering from the condition. The adolescent boy spent almost a year isolated in his room and engaged in excessive gaming for up to 12 hours a day. He suffered a gradual loss of appetite for physical activity and school and eventual social withdrawal. The increasing dependence on online gaming finally resulted in an abnormal curvature of the spine and problems in walking and passing urine. 'This excessive gaming led to a significant kypho-scoliotic spinal deformity," according to a statement from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in New Delhi. The doctors stated that the boy developed severe kypho-scoliotic deformity at the D11 and D12 vertebral levels, due to spinal tuberculosis -- an infectious condition that had remained undiagnosed due to the patient's prolonged immobility and social withdrawal. The disease had led to abscess formation and pus accumulation, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and contributing to his neurological decline. The boy underwent a successful complex spinal correction surgery, enabling him to regain mobility and bladder control. 'This was a challenging case due to the dual complexity of advanced spinal TB and the psychosocial impact of gaming addiction. The spine had suffered significant deformity, compressed the cord, and threatened permanent disability,' Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC. "Fortunately, we were able to realign the spine, relieve the pressure on the cord, and restore his mobility. The patient responded well — early signs of neurological recovery were visible within days of the procedure,' the doctor said. Tandon also noted a "disturbing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents'. He blamed prolonged screen exposure and sedentary habits linked to gaming. 'This case is not just about spinal TB — it reflects a growing public health challenge where physical and mental health are deeply intertwined. Excessive gaming, poor posture, and social isolation can create a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and serious outcomes. Awareness, parental monitoring, and early intervention are critical to prevent such cases,' the expert said.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Delhi teen undergoes surgery after PUBG addiction leads to spinal damage
A teenager underwent critical surgery in Delhi due to a severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis caused by excessive PUBG gaming. Spending up to 12 hours daily gaming led to kypho-scoliotic deformity and spinal tuberculosis. The corrective surgery reversed paralysis, highlighting concerns about musculoskeletal issues from prolonged screen exposure in adolescents. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A teenager underwent critical surgery at a private hospital after excessive PUBG gaming led to a severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis. The patient, who was brought to the hospital after experiencing difficulty walking and passing urine, had reportedly spent nearly a year isolated in his room, playing video games for up to 12 hours a to a statement from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in New Delhi, this excessive gaming led to a significant "kypho-scoliotic spinal deformity"."This was a challenging case due to the dual complexity of advanced spinal TB and the psychosocial impact of gaming addiction . The spine had suffered significant deformity, compressed the cord, and threatened permanent disability," said Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC."We are seeing a disturbing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents, especially due to prolonged screen exposure and sedentary habits linked to gaming," he boy, according to the hospital, was also suffering from a range of issues including a loss of interest in physical activity and school, along with social withdrawal -- all linked to his prolonged isolation and gaming doctors based on the symptoms concluded that he was suffering from "severe kypho-scoliotic deformity at the D11 and D12 vertebral levels due to spinal tuberculosis".A corrective surgery using advanced spinal navigation technology was eventually conducted to reverse paralysis and prevent long-term disability."The patient responded well as the surgery was successful," the hospital said in a statement.
