(IANS)
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Eight Indian-Americans are among 12 dental practice owners and co-conspirators who have been charged for allegedly engaging in a multifaceted racketeering conspiracy through a multi-state network of dental practices in the US state of Pennsylvania.
New York, Jan 27: Eight Indian-Americans are among 12 dental practice owners and co-conspirators who have been charged for allegedly engaging in a multifaceted racketeering conspiracy through a multi-state network of dental practices in the US state of Pennsylvania.
The defendants were allegedly part of a wide-ranging scheme to defraud Medicaid, US Immigration authorities, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and to launder the fraud proceeds, a Department of Justice (DOJ) release said on Thursday.
The individuals were charged with operating and participating in a series of dental practices and related companies (the Savani Group) that engaged in visa fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud involving federal tax evasion, and money laundering.
Dentist brothers Bhaskar Savani, 57, and Niranjan Savani, 51, owned and controlled the Savani Group dental practices.
The third brother, Arun Savani, 55, owned and managed the Savani Group companies and was responsible for the Group's financial affairs.
The trio allegedly conspired to recruit foreign workers for US work visas while concealing the workers' true job titles and responsibilities.
Sunil Philip, 57, who was an outside accountant for the Savani Group, allegedly engaged in a wire fraud scheme to evade federal taxes along with the three brothers.
The Savani brothers, along with two other employees of Savani Group, allegedly executed a scheme to use nominee owners of "on paper" dental practices to obtain and continue to profit from Medicaid contracts after managed care companies terminated the Savani Group dental practices' Pennsylvania Medicaid contracts.
They also allegedly conspired to place adulterated and misbranded dental devices in US commerce, according to the DOJ.
Vivek Savani, 35, Bharatkumar Parasana, 55, and Hiteshkumar Goyani, 39, and Piyusha Patel, 41, were employed under the H1-B visa program under the pretense of serving in specialty occupations for the Savani Group but actually performed office support roles for the Group's dental practices.
Bhaskar, Arun, Niranjan and Sunil Philip made their initial court appearances on January 20 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
(IANS)
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New Delhi, Nov 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he was looking forward to the COP28 summit in Dubai, to move ahead with the concrete steps on climate action that formed part of the New Delhi declaration of the G20.
"During our G20 Presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP28 taking forward the consensus on these issues," the Prime Minister said ahead of his visit to Dubai for the World Climate Action Summit which begins on December 1.
PM Modi said that COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement, and chart the future course on climate action.
He also pointed out that at the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation.
Also Read: G20 Summit Showcased India's Commitment To Fostering Global Togetherness: Ruchira Kamboj
PM Modi said it was important that the efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer.
Besides, they must get access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development, he added.
"India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother Earth," he added. (IANS)
Hyderabad, Nov 30: Telangana recorded a voter turnout of 63.94 per cent till 5 pm in the assembly polls for 119 seats, according to the Election Commission of India.
According to the Election commission, Medak recorded a voter turnout of 80.28 per cent, Mahabubabad at 77.50 per cent, Adilabad at 73.58 per cent, Hanumankonda at 62.46 per cent and Hyderabad at 31.17 per cent till 5 pm.
Jangaon recorded 80.23 percent of voter turnout, while Kamareddy recorded 71 per cent.
The voter turnout in Khammam was recorded 73.77 per cent, Nalgonda recorded 75.72 per cent, Nizamabad at 68.30 per cent,
Sangareddy recorded 73.83 per cent and Rangareddy recorded 53.03 per cent.
Till 3 pm Telangana recorded a voter turnout of 51.89 per cent.
This time, there are as many as 2,290 contestants in the fray which includes Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, his Minister-son K.T. Rama Rao, State Congress President A Revanth Reddy and BJP Lok Sabha members Bandi Sanjay Kumar and D Arvind.
In 2018, BRS (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won 88 of the 119 seats and had 47.4 per cent of the vote share. The Congress came a distant second with just 19 seats.
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Several big leaders including Chief Minister KCR, state minister KT Rama Rao, YSR Telangana Party president YS Sharmila, BJP's Arvind Dharmapuri and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy exercised their franchise and urged voters to cast a vote.
The counting of the votes will take place on December 3. (ANI)
New Delhi, Nov 30: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will conduct in coming months a special seminar in coordination with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for its core group of athletes to educate them on the anti-doping rules to avoid any violation ahead of next year’s Olympic Games.
“We want to educate the athletes bound for the Olympic Games on the anti-doping rule violations to ensure proper compliance during the games,” IOA President Dr. P.T Usha said. “The IOA has put in place strict anti-doping measures to uphold the integrity of the sports”, the 52-year-old was quoted as saying in a release on Thursday.
On being asked how the IOA supports the athletes to prepare for the games, she said, “It is important to have good training facilities during the games and a smooth transport system from in the pre-competition time as well as during the main games. “IOA will also ensure athletes have adequate sports science backup to avoid injuries and stay healthy,” she added.
The IOA president was hopeful that all National Sports Federations (NSFs) have a proper road map in place for the Olympic Games. “Proper planning is important to ensure all aspects of the preparation are taken care of during the buildup months to the Olympic Games.
“All the NSFs must have prepared a detailed programme for the international exposure cum competition plan for next year,” she added.
Earlier in October this year during the International Olympic (IOC) session in Mumbai, Usha had also discussed the possibility of India hosting the Olympics in the future with IOC chief Thomas Bach. “It was a good and healthy discussion on various issues related to India’s bid to host the Youth Olympic in 2030 and 2036 Olympic Games as announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,” she said.
Usha termed it as a positive step that several private companies and state governments are investing in sports, which will boost sports development in the country. “More investment in sports will ensure good infrastructure and facilities across India. It will lead to a rise in the number of sports enthusiasts and inculcate sports culture in the country,” she added.
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She also pointed out that the Khelo India project of the Sports Ministry has proved to be a good platform for budding athletes to showcase their talent. “The financial assistance under the Khelo India scheme is a big support to promising athletes,” Usha added. (IANS)