The Economic Times

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi, observed on February 5, 2026, is a significant day for devotees of Lord Ganesha. This sacred occasion involves fasting and prayers to seek blessings for overcoming obstacles and inviting prosperity. The day's rituals, including home puja and mantra chanting, aim to bring peace and success.

A resident buying property from an NRI must obtain a TAN, pay tax under Section 195, and submit quarterly TDS returns, similar to corporations. However, for most homebuyers, purchasing a home is a one-time event, making compliance requirements overly complex for this transaction.

PayPal stock (PYPL) today: PayPal shares plummeted over 17% as the company missed fourth-quarter earnings and issued a disappointing 2026 profit outlook. Adding to the turmoil, CEO Alex Chriss is stepping down, with Enrique Lores set to take the helm. Slowing growth in its key branded checkout business and intense competition from tech giants are major concerns.

Budget 2026 brings significant changes for taxpayers. ET Wealth Online's concerns have been addressed, impacting buyback taxation and NRI property sales. Penalties for minor ITR errors are being reduced, and the Black Money Act is being reformed. These updates aim to simplify tax processes and foster trust. The government is focusing on easing compliance for individuals and businesses.

Union Budget 2026 introduces a significant tax benefit for overseas professionals visiting India. Non-residents will receive a five-year exemption on income earned outside India. This applies to those visiting under government-notified schemes. The tax-exempt status begins from their first visit for service rendering. This move aims to attract global talent by offering clear tax certainty.

Union Budget 2026 introduces a new Income Tax Act from April 1, 2026, with simplified rules. Key changes include reduced TCS rates on overseas tour packages and LRS remittances for education/medical. The deadline for revised ITR filing is extended, and PAN-based TDS for NRI property sales is implemented. Share buybacks will now be taxed as capital gains for all shareholders.

Indian businesses in the UAE and Gulf region largely welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, commending initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the SME Growth Fund. While some praised the focus on manufacturing and digital transformation, others called for greater emphasis on welfare schemes. The budget signals India's commitment to becoming a stable, policy-forward digital economy.

Tax Deducted At Source (TDS) process is being simplified for NRI property sellers.

SBI launched 'Chakra', a center of excellence to finance sunrise sectors like data centers and renewable energy, estimating a Rs 22 lakh crore debt requirement over five years. The initiative, joined by public and Japanese lenders, aims to enhance coordination and risk assessment for strategic expansion beyond balance sheet strengthening.

An NRI professional with a PhD and 12 years of experience is considering a return to Bengaluru, India, with a 90 lakh per annum offer. He seeks advice on whether the salary is sufficient for his family's financial plans and career impact, sparking a debate among netizens about cost of living and compensation.

Sakat Chauth 2026: Sakat Chauth, observed by mothers for the well-being of their children, falls on 6 January 2026. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Ganesha along with traditional sweets and fruits, completing the fast after the moonrise. The puja involves specific rituals and offerings, with a focus on devotion and patience.

An old photo of Erika Kirk and Disney star David Henrie has resurfaced, baffling social media users. The 2014 Instagram post showed the two friends, with Kirk praising Henrie for understanding her mission to change the world. The resurfaced image has sparked confusion due to their seemingly disparate public personas.

An NRI, Harwinder Singh alias Sonu, died in Punjabs Fazilka district after a loaded pistol tucked into his waist accidentally went off while he was at home with relatives. The incident was captured on CCTV. He was rushed to hospital but died on the way to Bathinda. Police conducted a post-mortem and handed over the body to the family.

January 2026 Ekadashi date: January 2026 presents a spiritually significant month for Hindus in India, marked by key lunar observances. Devotees will observe Ekadashi fasting days on January 14 and 29, the auspicious Poornima full moon on January 3, and the introspective Amavasya new moon on January 18, offering opportunities for worship, fasting, and reflection.

An NRIs viral Reddit post about returning to India after a decade in the United States has sparked fresh debate around healthcare access and costs. Sharing his personal experience, he contrasts the complexity and expense of US healthcare with what he describes as more accessible care in India, prompting mixed reactions online.

Arunachal Pradesh will host the inaugural Sunrise Festival 2025-26 from December 29 to January 2 in Dong village, the first place in India to witness the dawn. This adventure-led cultural celebration aims to position the region as a global destination for nature, culture, and heritage.

Anna Kournikova's fourth baby with Enrique Iglesias : Tennis star Anna Kournikova and singer Enrique Iglesias have welcomed their fourth child, expanding their family to six. Kournikova shared the news on social media with a photo of the newborn, born on December 17, 2025. This latest addition celebrates their enduring 20-year relationship, marked by a famously private personal life.

Total NRI deposits stood at $168.1 billion in October up from $162.6 billion from a year ago.

Coca-Cola has appointed Henrique Braun as its new Chief Executive Officer. He takes over from James Quincey, who will become executive chairman. This leadership change comes as the company navigates evolving consumer preferences for healthier and more affordable drinks. Braun's appointment is effective March 31. He aims to build on existing momentum and unlock future growth.

Airline cancels all flights: Sunrise Airways has suspended all flights to and from Port-au-Prince due to escalating security concerns in Haiti's capital. The decision, effective immediately, comes after a reported incident where one of its aircraft was struck by gunfire. The airline will resume operations only when authorities deem it safe, prioritizing passenger and crew protection.

The teaser for 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' is out. This prequel revisits Panem. Joseph Zada plays young Haymitch Abernathy. He competes in the 50th Hunger Games. This event is the Second Quarter Quell. The film will be released in 2026. The movie is directed by Francis Lawrence.

Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer teaser reveals Joseph Zada as pivotal character and offers glipse of the film.

Sunrise on the Reaping returns audiences to Panem with a gripping glimpse at the 50th Hunger Games, the brutal Second Quarter Quell. Positioned twenty-four years before the original series, the narrative includes sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, as he encounters a deadly arena with twice the amount of tributes.

Irans foreign minister said the country is no longer enriching uranium after strikes by the US and Israel damaged its nuclear sites in June. Abbas Araghchi told an Associated Press reporter that all facilities are under International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring and that enrichment has stopped because the sites were attacked.

Sunrisers Hyderabad has retained their most expensive player, Heinrich Klaasen, for IPL 2026, despite earlier speculation. The franchise released eight players, including Adam Zampa and Mohammed Shami, and will enter the mini-auction with a substantial purse. Head coach Daniel Vettori expressed satisfaction with the retained core, aiming to acquire high-impact players.

Heinrich Klaasen, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 23 crore, might be released ahead of the IPL mini-auction. Multiple franchises are reportedly interested in the wicketkeeper-batter, who had an inconsistent IPL 2025 season. SRH is considering this move to free up funds for squad rebuilding and strengthen their bowling and spin attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the flag atop the Ram Temple spire in Ayodhya next month. The grand temple construction is nearing completion. A religious ceremony is planned for November 25. Thousands of invitees will attend the event. This marks the full completion of the temple and its surroundings. Devotees are invited to visit and offer prayers.

Ahoi Ashtami Tara Nikalne Ka Samay: Ahoi Ashtami falls on October 13, 2025. Mothers fast for their children's well-being. The fast breaks after sighting stars. Star rise timings are provided for major Indian cities. The moonrise is at 11:20 PM IST. Devotees can break their fast after 6:17 PM IST. Important rituals include morning preparations and puja.

Ahoi Ashtami tara time 2025: Hindu women will observe Ahoi Ashtami vrat on October 13, 2025, fasting and praying for their children's well-being and long life. This sacred festival, celebrated before Diwali, involves strict fasting until stars are sighted. The Ashtami Tithi begins on October 13th, with the Shubh Muhurat for prayers from 5:53 PM to 7:08 PM.

Non-resident Indians are seeking therapy in their native languages. This approach offers deeper emotional connection and understanding. Studies show it is more effective than English sessions. Familiar expressions help NRIs feel heard and understood. This trend highlights a growing need for culturally sensitive mental healthcare. It allows for authentic expression of feelings and a sense of home.

Karwa Chauth in the US presents a unique challenge with moonrise timings. Families can find accurate times using online panchang websites or local Indian community centers. The festival falls on October 10, 2025. Accurate timing is essential for puja and breaking the fast. This celebration connects families across continents, keeping the festive spirit alive.

Karwa Chauth 2025 Moonrise Time: Karwa Chauth 2025 falls on Friday, October 10. Married women will observe a day-long fast from sunrise to moonrise. The fast concludes after sighting the moon. Key timings for the puja and moonrise in various cities are provided. This tradition celebrates marital devotion and well-being.

Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, highlighted PM Modi's pivotal role in resolving the Ayodhya dispute and ensuring the temple's construction process unfolded naturally. Mishra confirmed PM Modi's visit on November 25 for the Ram Mandir flag-hoisting ceremony, fulfilling a long-held promise to visit Ayodhya only after construction began.

Karwa Chauth 2025, falling on October 10th, unites with Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi, enhancing its spiritual significance. Married women observe a strict nirjala fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands' well-being. The festival celebrates marital devotion, with rituals including evening puja and breaking the fast after moonrise.