NRIs / The Economic Times
Iran continues to defy international pressure by expanding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to a new report from the UN's nuclear watchdog. The IAEA found that Iran now possesses enough uranium enriched to 60% to potentially produce a nuclear weapon if further enriched to weapons-grade levels.
SRH IPL Mega Auction 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) retained five key players, including captain Pat Cummins and the IPL's most expensive retention ever, Heinrich Klaasen, for a record Rs 23 crore. The franchise is now focusing on rebuilding its bowling department in the upcoming mega-auction.
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on November 19, 2024. It is a significant day for devotees of Lord Ganesha. The Chaturthi Tithi begins on November 18 at 06:55 PM and ends on November 19 at 05:28 PM. Devotees observe a fast and perform puja rituals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.
Indian banks are intensifying their efforts to attract deposits from non-resident Indians (NRIs), particularly in Kerala, a hub for NRI remittances. Banks are expanding their operations in the Gulf countries and offering specialized products and services to cater to the growing NRI customer base.
Qantas is set to launch the worlds longest non-stop flights in 2026, connecting Sydney with London and New York. The ultra-long-haul flights will span 19 to 22 hours, allowing passengers to witness two sunrises during their journey. Named Project Sunrise, this ambitious initiative aims to reduce travel time by up to four hours compared to current routes. The airline is investing 1.2 billion in 12 custom-designed Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which will offer a luxurious onboard experience.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently on the International Space Station, experiences 16 sunsets and sunrises every day. For astronauts aboard the ISS sunrise and sunset isn't a once-a-day occurrence. It happens as many as 16 times. Sunita Williams has been stationed on the International Space Station since June 2023, faced delays in returning to Earth due to issues with Boeings Starliner.
Chhath Puja 2024 is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. The dates are from November 5-8. Devotees will observe rituals including fasting and offering prayers to the Sun God. Key dates are Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. The festival concludes with offerings to the rising sun, breaking their fast.
Heinrich Klaasen was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 23 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, surpassing Virat Kohlis Rs 21 crore retention by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Klaasen's impressive performance last season, scoring 479 runs at a strike rate over 171, underlined his value to SRH.
IPL teams have announced their retained players for the upcoming auction. Teams can retain up to six players, with specific rules for capped and uncapped players. Sunrisers Hyderabad retained five capped players including Pat Cummins and Heinrich Klaasen, and they are yet to announce the retained uncapped player. The team aims to strengthen their squad further in the auction.
Karwa Chauth 2024 Moon Timing: Karwa Chauth, celebrated on October 20, 2024, involves women fasting for their husbands' health and longevity. They break their fast after moonrise, expected between 7:50 PM and 9:05 PM. The festival includes traditional rituals such as Sargi, the main puja, and the moonrise celebration. Recently, some men also join the fast to show mutual love and support.
Karwa Chauth 2024: Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 20th this year. Married women across North India will observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husbands' health and longevity. They will eat a pre-dawn meal called sargi, perform pooja, and break their fast after seeing the moon through a sieve. The festival includes listening to Karwa Chauth katha and worshiping Goddess Parvati.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Construction Committee, chaired by Nripendra Mishra, commenced the construction of Shikhar amid technical challenges. Key agencies like Larsen Toubro and TCE are involved. Although small structures are completed and handed over, the entire project is now expected to finish by July 2025.
The report highlighted that the NRI cell, which handles cases related to NRI marriages from women both in India and abroad, saw several serious allegations, including confiscation of passports by in-laws, and women being unable to join their husbands abroad due to the husband's disappearance or unknown whereabouts.
The Supreme Court has dismissed Punjab's plea to expand the NRI quota in medical colleges, emphasizing that distant relatives of NRIs should not receive admission benefits. Meanwhile, Karnataka is seeking approval to introduce a 15% NRI quota in government medical colleges by 2025-26, aiming to generate revenue and improve educational facilities.
North Korea has revealed a secretive uranium-enrichment facility, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for an exponential increase in nuclear weapons. This disclosure aims to pressure the U.S. and its allies. The images released could help estimate North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Kim stressed the need for more centrifuges and new-type centrifuge introduction, citing increased threats from the U.S. and its allies.
Virgin River Season 6 is expected to receive a release date announcement soon. Cast member Alexandra Breckenridge teased upcoming information, sparking speculation. While rumors suggest a late 2024 release, Netflix has yet to confirm the official premiere date.
Iran has further increased its uranium stockpile enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a UN nuclear watchdog report. As of August 17, Iran has 164.7 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%. Tehran has also banned experienced inspectors and disrupted surveillance cameras, and has not clarified the origin of man-made uranium particles at undeclared sites.
The North American Punjabi Association condemned the recent attack on NRI Sukhchain Singh in Amritsar as deeply troubling. Singh was shot in front of his family at his home. Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and security for the diaspora community, urging concerted efforts from authorities and leaders. Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident as they continue to search for the assailants.
The construction of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, overseen by Nripendra Mishra, experienced delays due to reduced workers caused by weather conditions. Mishra cited a two-month delay unless more workers join. Since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January, the temple has seen over 1.5 crore visitors, with numbers increasing daily.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2024 includes significant tax reforms for NRIs. Key changes involve adjusting tax slab rates, introducing new standard deductions, and revising capital gains taxes. Additionally, the budget addresses FEMA residency, updates rules for bonds and debentures, and removes indexation benefits. Effective from July 2024, these reforms aim to ease cash flow issues and refund claims.
Modi 3.0's budget provisions Rs 2 lakh crore for job and skill programs, rural development including natural farming, MSME support, and gold duty reduction. Kamal Vachani appreciates Mudra loan increase and customs duties reduction. Gaurav Malhotra, Hansgrohe India, commends fiscal discipline and technological support, gaining praise from NRI businessmen in the Gulf.
Budget 2024 proposes a higher TDS on certain capital gains for non-residents on certain assets such as listed equities. The new TDS will apply only on transfers made on or after July 23, 2024. The revision is aimed at bringing parity between resident and non resident taxation structure.