#post office nsc

[techandtravel]

Small Savings Schemes 2024-New Interest Rates

Small Savings Schemes 2024 Small Savings Schemes 2024The Inside Scoop on Interest RatesMeet the RatePost Office Plans: What’s Changing?The Money Math: How Rates Are SetPPF Stays Put: No Changes HereBanks vs. Small Savings SchemesSavings Showdown: Big Banks vs. Post Office Small Savings Schemes 2024- The government just spilled the beans on interest rates for small savings schemes from January…

[takapoysanews]

পোস্ট অফিস স্কিম।Indian Post Office। Interest Rates of Post Office 2022 -takapoysanews - TAKAPOYSANEWS

In this particular post you learn details about Indian post office schemes and their lastest interest rates.

There are 9 types of schemes activated by Indian government are popular very much. Among them 1.Post office savings account 2. Post office time deposit / fixed deposit 3.Post office monthly income scheme (MIS) 4.Post office recurring deposit (RD) 5. Post office senior citizen savings scheme (SCSS) 6. Sukanya samriddhi Yojana 7.Kishan Vikas Patra (KVP) 8.Public Provident Fund (PPF) 9. NSC National Savings Scheme .

In this post you learn all the details for this popular schemes in Bengali.

[governmentjobsworld]

பத்தாம் வகுப்பு தேர்ச்சி போதும் | தேசிய அறிவியல் மையத்தில் பணியிடங்கள் வெளியாகியுள்ளன..!

பத்தாம் வகுப்பு தேர்ச்சி போதும் | தேசிய அறிவியல் மையத்தில் பணியிடங்கள் வெளியாகியுள்ளன..! #Freegovtjobs #jobrascals

தேசிய அறிவியல் மையத்தில் பின் வரும் Technician பணிகள் நிரப்புவதற்கான அறிவிப்பு வெளியாகியுள்ளன. மத்திய அரசு இந்த அதிகாரப்பூர்வ அறிவிப்பினை  வெளியிட்டுள்ளது. தேசிய அறிவியல் மையம் பணிக்கு விண்ணப்பிக்க ஆர்வமுள்ளவர்கள் 23/11/2022 முதல் 12/12/2022க்குல் அஞ்சல் மூலமாக விண்ணப்பிக்கவும். இப்பணிக்கு விண்ணப்பிக்கும் நபர்கள் விண்ணப்பிக்கும் முன்பு கீழ்க்கண்ட கல்வித் தகுதி , வயது விவரம் ,  ஊதிய விவரம்…

[mariacallous]

In The Hedgehog and the Fox, Isaiah Berlin recounts the ancient Greek proverb that “the fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” Berlin’s essay was apparently written as something of a throwaway, but it remains a useful lens through which to understand the grand strategists of U.S. foreign policy, especially during the early Cold War.

The architects of American foreign policy during those years were some of our greatest foxes. George Kennan was a generational intellectual who just happened to be a foreign service officer. George Marshall’s military and operational genius were matched by his political acumen, as the organizer of the American military victory in WWII and the political and economic rehabilitator of Europe.

And then there’s Paul Nitze: another Cold War foreign policy titan who ran the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff under Truman and was an essential voice on defense and arms control policy for decades, yet a committed hedgehog.

In his superb America’s Cold Warrior: Paul Nitze and National Security from Roosevelt to Reagan, State Department historian James Graham Wilson portrays Nitze as consistently animated by a single, “steadfast conviction that the United States needed to possess overriding strength.” He was a leading apostle for increasing conventional defense spending during the Truman and Eisenhower years, and as he transitioned to focus on nuclear policy during the 1970s and 1980s, he was a tireless advocate for ramping up U.S. nuclear capabilities.

In this new era of competition with China and Russia, Nitze’s career and ideas are more relevant than ever. They highlight both the promise and pitfalls of a relentless striving for military superiority. His vision of a robust global defense network and deterrent, laid out in NSC-68 in 1950, inspires U.S. defense policy in the Indo-Pacific and Europe today, whether policymakers realize it or not.

But his story also warns us that we’re currently in the dangerous “early Cold War” cycle of unfettered defense buildup and competition with China, similar to the 1950s. It should hasten thinking about how to rein in military competition and establish more defense and arms control guardrails now, before it all gets out of hand.

Like many of his Wise Men contemporaries, Paul Nitze was a convert from the world of Wall Street in the 1930s, answering the call of public service during the Roosevelt administration, and staying on to help remake the post-war world under Truman. But what sets Nitze apart was his longevity in Washington. He remained an important government player through the 1980s.

Yet Nitze never quite broke into the top ranks. He lacked the suppleness of mind of a Kennan or Dean Acheson, who initially warned Kennan that “[Nitze]’s not a long-range thinker.” Nitze struggled, sometimes awkwardly, to win the presidential ear. During Nitze’s first appointment with Eisenhower at the White House, “he opened the wrong door and found Ike in his underwear.” He never cracked Kennedy or Johnson’s inner ring and was out of the loop on Vietnam policy. It was only under Reagan that Nitze truly found a presidential patron, who leaned heavily on Nitze for his expertise on arms control and nuclear issues. By then, Nitze had distinguished himself as perhaps the foremost expert on nuclear policy in Washington.

Throughout the entirety of this impressive run inside government, Nitze displayed hedgehog-like constancy in his belief that “US strength brought stability; US weakness brought instability.” It was, according to Wilson’s biography, the prism through which Nitze viewed almost everything.

What led to Japan’s decision to attack the United States in 1941? Lack of strong American capabilities in the Pacific. What was wrong with Eisenhower’s “New Look” policy? A reduction in defense spending in the pursuit of a more economical reliance on massive nuclear retaliation. What caused Khrushchev to back down over the Berlin Crisis of 1961 and Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962? U.S. conventional and nuclear superiority. What caused the Soviets to invade Afghanistan in 1979? Russian superiority in first strike nuclear capability at the time, which permitted and incentivized Moscow to take more risk.

You get the point. Nitze was always pushing up, up, up on spending: conventional forces, nuclear forces, more complicated missile delivery systems and mobile units to evade USSR targeting. Even if it meant higher taxes or budget cuts. As Nitze coldly put it, “the avoidance of nuclear war is much more important than increasing welfare payments.”

Nitze was right, and prescient, in urging the United States to build up a credible military deterrent and a network of military assets around the world at the onset of the Cold War. This vision was best articulated in NSC-68, which he crafted while head of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff in 1950 and serves as the founding document of U.S. strategy during the Cold War. Nitze used NSC-68 to promote a drastic increase conventional military capabilities “to a level previously unprecedented in peacetime.”

It also called on the United States to wage a decidedly global struggle, backing allies around the world to thwart Soviet aggression and working to enhance their own defense capabilities. While all this may seem intuitive in retrospect, in its context NSC-68 was revolutionary. Nitze correctly anticipated that the United States couldn’t withdraw from the world, ramp down its defense capabilities during peacetime, and rely on surging its latent military-industrial capacity solely at the time of acute need, the strategy it had employed before both WWI and WWII.

Where he was clearly wrong was in his focus on the nuclear balance as the singular determinant of Soviet behavior. According to Sergey Radchenko’s excellent new book on Soviet decision-making, To Run the World, the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis can’t be explained simply by American nuclear preponderance. The U.S. promise to remove its nuclear missiles in Turkey enabled Khruschev’s “blinking” during the crisis. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was fueled by a sense of insecurity—rather than superiority—as Moscow risked losing a client state. It’s hard to imagine Brezhnev taking a different decision if, say, the United States had more nuclear missiles.

Perhaps the larger error was one-dimensional strategic thinking focused on military concerns above all. Nitze’s life’s work and story could be boiled down to a fixation on weapons, defense spending, and ratios of nuclear throw-weight. He downplayed the importance of U.S. promotion of human rights, dismissing it as “hypocritical and pointless.” In a sense, he missed the boat on just how much of the Cold War lay outside of the priesthood of nuclear weapons policy or military matters.

As the United States enters a new contest with Beijing and Moscow, it seems we’re all part-Nitze now. The need for a forward American presence and the dangers of retrenchment are just as valid as they were during Nitze’s time. We’ve learned this the hard way in Ukraine, where a lack of military industrial capacity in both the United States and Europe has hamstrung our support for Kyiv.

The Biden administration has built an impressive “latticework” of defense alliances in the Indo-Pacific to deter China, very much in the spirit of NSC-68. Pentagon budgets are knocking at the door of $1 trillion annually—even though the United States already spends more on defense than the next 10 countries combined. As the New York Times recently reported, the Biden administration is now updating its nuclear strategy to address the dual threat of both China and Russia, and warned in June that the United States would build up nuclear forces to face this threat, if needed. It would all make Nitze blush.

But as the Cold War demonstrated, the quest for military superiority can become a self-fulfilling danger. Vietnam provides an obvious example of overzealous and self-defeating military flexing. Nitze’s own career even represents this cautionary arc: He spent the 1950s through 1970s advocating for nuclear preponderance, but then during the 1980s served as the critical U.S. negotiator as Reagan sought to limit and even reduce nuclear stockpiles. We had so blindly built-up nuclear weapons that we reached point of existential danger, and then had to pull it all back from the brink.

This should be a sobering lesson for U.S. policymakers today. Right now, U.S. policy is in its “early Cold War” phase: an upward escalatory spiral against both China and Russia and no brakes in sight. The only arms control treaty left between the United States and Russia, New START, expires in 2026; China is embarking on an unprecedented nuclear buildup and is estimated to reach 1,500 weapons by 2035. Tensions reached such a low after Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022 that China shut off all military-to-military dialogue with Washington. Since then the Biden administration has admirably—and successfully—worked to reopen some defense channels with Beijing, but mutual trust is lacking and more formal military agreements appear quite distant.

This isn’t sustainable. Cold War history, and Paul Nitze’s own, tells us that the pendulum will inevitably swing back the other way: We’ll find ourselves either in a crisis, or in such an untenably dangerous situation that we’ll be forced into arms control negotiations. We’re still caught in the tense equivalent of the 1950s and early 1960s Cold War. While Russia and China may be unwilling and difficult interlocutors at the moment, to avoid repeating history, the United States should put every effort into building military and arms control guardrails, rather than only ramping up the pressure. Better to halt the cycle now than wait for a Cuban Missile-style crisis.

What’s more, a Nitze-like focus on military deterrence as the cure and explanation for everything risks missing the main game. Yes, defense is important. But today’s competition with China is being waged primarily economically and technologically, just as the Cold War was fought as an ideological and diplomatic struggle and was lost by the Soviet Union as their economy failed to keep pace. Had the Soviets coerced and deterred the United States a bit more, would the outcome of the Cold War have changed? The answer is likely no; the Soviet system was rotten, and inherent Western economic, technological, and ideological strengths won the day.

As Nitze’s story demonstrates, a hedgehog-like fixation on establishing military supremacy above all else may ultimately prove as much a distraction (and a danger) as an asset—one that we’ll have to redress sometime in the future.

[stephen-barry]

Unlearned lessons: Trump plans to close pandemic preparedness office (2024 post) Donald Trump is prepared to close White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, repeating a mistake he made six years ago.

Trump says he’d disband the pandemic preparedness office—again (2024 post)

FYI: Trump dibanded - but didnt fire - this team Trump disbanded NSC pandemic unit that experts had praised (2020 news post) https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-virus-outbreak-barack-obama-public-health-ce014d94b64e98b7203b873e56f80e9a

Trump administration cut pandemic early warning program in September (2020 news post) Predict project wound down three months before outbreak Project had identified 160 potentially dangerous coronaviruses https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/trump-scrapped-pandemic-early-warning-program-system-before-coronavirus

[claudiajcregg]

Hoo boy, I'm behind on tagged stuff. (After this, I owe the last line I've written, the 8 tv shows, and who knows what else!) But this one was rather easy, even if formatting took me longer than I thought.

Tagged by the incredibly talented @onekisstotakewithme, whose stuff you should absolutely read because she's so good. (And prolific, too!) Thank you, Ally <3

Rules: share the first lines of ten of your most recent fanfics and tag ten people. If you have written fewer than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway.

I have eleven (for now? hopefully?) and I'll put them under a cut because this might get long for my mobile peeps. (I'm not the best at first lines. Or all that follow. I noticed a pattern, lol.)

Tagging anyone who wants to do it, of course! Feel free to ignore it if you don't want to do it, or if you've been already been tagged, etc. I probably missed some posts here and there. ♥️ @miabicicletta, @ballroompink, @holy-ships-x-red-lips, @district447, @eyes-onthehorizon

From most recent to oldest. They are all for The West Wing. Will I come out of this hating my writing even more? We'll see!

still you never took your hand from mine

The idea of writing a book by herself had always felt like this thing she wasn’t sure she wanted to do, at least not at that point in her life. 

The (in)famous memoir fic. CJ starts writing a memoir while pregnant with her first child.

haunted by the notion somewhere there's a love in flames

Filomena Ristorante was an enchanting establishment she hadn’t heard of until earlier this afternoon. 

Set during CJ and Danny's business dinner in S1. It's two chapters long!)

just your smile lit a 60-watt bulb in my house that was darkened for days

When the President summoned her to the Oval Office on Tuesday, the last thing C.J. was expecting was for him to invite her to their Thanksgiving festivities up in the Residence — that was, if she didn’t have plans already.

Thanksgiving 2006 in the Residence, with a dash of thanks and trivia. CJ/Danny, with Jed/Abbey, Josh/Donna, Charlie/Zoey

don't want you to go but I'll be okay

The flight back to Andrews Air Force Base had been pushed back until the morning for various reasons; not least of which had been avoiding a repeat of everyone’s protests on the way to Portland due to the late departure time.

C.J. finds some unexpected closure when she goes out for dinner during the Portland trip. (Yes, I'm copying some of the summary for some of these, lol.)

I'll be your friend in the daylight again

If C.J. was asked to name whatever meetings she had been a part of this week, she would fail.

C.J. and her complicated feelings about her NSC card resurface once Josh gets his during the Santos administration. (No, but I'm actually surprised by how accurate and succinct some of these summaries are.)

catch my pieces as they fall apart

His beautiful wife was sad and exhausted and likely sick, and Danny didn’t know how to take her pain away.

After her father passes away, C.J. grapples with grief and what her future might hold.

say it's here where our pieces fall in place

The sun over the plains was unforgiving on this late winter day.

A series of glimpses into C.J. and Danny’s lives, together and apart, from 1998 to 2008. It's 11 chapters!

we could be the way forward and I know I'll pay for it

The second the call with Hogan disconnected, she stopped walking around the secluded garden area and was hit with a cold breeze she wasn’t prepared for.

St. Augustine, FL; spring of 1998. C.J. wrestles with her burgeoning feelings for Danny when she runs into him outside a campaign event.

maybe everything's turning out how it should be

This wasn’t the same without Leo.

As a way to honor his late mentor, Josh brings back Leo’s Big Block of Cheese tradition during the Santos Administration. Unbeknownst to him, he ends up having a special crackpot meeting of his own. (This has implied CJ/Danny and Josh/Donna.)

all's well that ends well to end up with you

The sun was setting over the small mountain range in the distance, coloring the sky with a pink-orange hue that was breathtaking. 

C.J. and Danny find a moment of quiet in a hectic day and reflect about how they got to where they are. Their wedding. It's set after their wedding.

... and +1, because I felt bad leaving it behind

maybe we'll sleep here covered in star shine

At four in the morning, the sky was beautifully dark with just the slightest hint of the day that would soon start on the horizon. 

On a sleepless night, C.J. finds herself staring at the stars and reminiscing about her childhood.

[esonetwork]

The Earth Station One Podcast - Sabrina The Teenage Witch At 60

New Post has been published on https://esonetwork.com/the-earth-station-one-podcast-sabrina-the-teenage-witch-at-60/

The Earth Station One Podcast - Sabrina The Teenage Witch At 60

As the Countdown to Halloween concludes, we ask how does a witch remain a relevant teenager for six decades? Must be magic. Mike, Mike, and Mark McCray are joined by Archie Comics writer and artist Bill Golliher and discuss the reasons folks have been spellbound from her first appearance in Archie Madhouse to her Chilling Adventures on Netflix. Plus, Bill tries to ward off the evil of the Geek Seat. All this, along with Angela’s A Geek Girl’s Take, Ashley’s Box Office Report, Michelle’s Iconic Rock Moments, and Shout Outs!

We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at feedback@earthstationone.com and subscribe and rate the show on Apple Podcast, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, wherever fine podcasts are found, and now we can be found on our own YouTube Channel.

Table of Contents 0:00:00 Show Open / Interview & Geek Seat w/ Archie Comics Writer and Artist Bill Golliher 0:36:22 Ashley’s Box Office Buzz 0:39:49 Sabrina The Teenage Witch at 60 1:44:21 Iconic Rock Moment 1:47:22 A Geek Girls Take 1:49:06 Show Close

Links Earth Station One on Apple Podcasts Earth Station One on Stitcher Radio Earth Station One on Spotify Past Episodes of The Earth Station One Podcast The ESO Network Patreon The New ESO Network TeePublic Store ESO Network Patreon Angela’s A Geek Girl’s Take Ashley’s Box Office Buzz Michelle’s Iconic Rock Talk Show The Earth Station One Website NSC Live TV Tifosi Optical The New Earth Station One YouTube Channel

Promos Tifosi Optics Con Guys The Monster Sci-Fi Show The ESO Network Patreon

If you would like to leave feedback or a comment on the show please feel free to email us at feedback@earthstationone.com

[sonalj]

Savings Plans - Buy Best Saving Plan Online in India 2024

Savings Plan

A savings plan helps you get guaranteed returns against fixed monthly or yearly premiums. Further, these plans also offer a life cover that helps safeguard your family’s financial future.

What are Savings Plan?

An insurance savings plan is a financial tool that combines the benefits of a robust savings strategy with the security of insurance and guaranteed returns. Understanding how an insurance savings plan works can help you build a strong foundation for financial security. The best insurance savings plan offers a systematic approach to consistently setting aside a portion of your income, allowing you to accumulate funds over time. It provides a disciplined framework for allocating resources wisely, managing expenses effectively, and prioritizing your financial goals. By opting for an insurance savings plan, you can also adopt healthy financial habits and be better prepared to handle unexpected challenges and expenses.

Types of Savings Plan Saving money is ideal for financial planning, ensuring a user has a safety net for emergencies, future expenses, andlong-term plans. Savings plans are tailored to meet different needs and preferences. From traditional options like fixed deposits tomoderninvestment avenues like mutual funds, understand the diverse savings plans available in India.

Fixed Deposits Fixed deposits are India's most popular andcommonsavings instruments. Banks and financial institutions offer them as a way to allow individuals to deposit an amount for a fixed period at a predecided interest rate. Fixed deposits also provide capital protection and a guaranteed return, making them a secure option for conservative investors.

Recurring Deposits Recurring Deposits (RDs)are one of the commonfamiliar savings option for people who wish to deposit a fixed amount regularly, often monthly, for a pre-decided period. RDs offer flexibility regarding investment amount and duration, and they are agood optionfor individuals who build savings through disciplined and regularintervals..

Public Provident Fund (PPF) Public Provident Fund is astableand long-term plan the Government of India offers. PPF accounts have a lock-in period of 15 years, offergoodinterest rates, and offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. They also suit people looking for tax-efficient long-term savings with guaranteed returns.

National Savings Certificate National Savings Certificate is an instrument with a fixed maturity period and interest rates offered by the Government of India. NSC offers tax benefits under Section 80C and can be bought from post offices across India. It also provides a safe and reliable avenue for people looking to accumulate savings over a fixed period.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana SSY (Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana) is a savings plan for girls to promote their education and contribute towards their marriage expenses. It offers impressive interest rates, tax benefits under Section 80C, and partial withdrawal options after the girl child is of a certain age. SSY is a great savings option for parents looking to secure their daughter's tomorrow.

Employee Provident Fund Employee Provident Fund is an unavoidable savings scheme after retirement for employees in India. Both the employer and the employee contribute towards the fund, and the amount collated can be withdrawn at retirement or in case of emergency. It also offers tax benefits and is an essential retirement savings tool.

Mutual Funds MFs are schemes that collect funds from multiple investors to put money into a wide-ranging portfolio. They also offer a range of options catering todifferentrisk management profiles and investment plans. Italso offersprofessional management, liquidity, and a great chance for higher returns over the long-term goals.

Unit-Linked Insurance Plans ULIPs combine insurance coverage and investment options, allowing policyholders to invest in various fund options basis on the risk appetite and financial goals. Unit-linked Insurance Plans also offer flexibility, and potential for wealth creation, making it a great choice for long-term financial planning.

[investmentadvisor01]

Securing Your Tomorrow: The Complete Guide to Investing in LIC and Post Office Schemes

When it comes to securing your financial future, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Post Office Schemes stand out as two of the most reliable options available in India. As an investment advisor in Prayagraj and a seasoned LIC Agent in Prayagraj, I have seen firsthand the benefits these LIC schemes and Post Office schemes offer. With a history of stability and a range of products designed to meet various needs, these schemes offer a blend of security and growth. This guide will walk you through the essentials of investing in LIC and Post Office Schemes, helping you make informed decisions..

Why Choose LIC and Post Office Schemes? :

Trust and reliability are paramount when choosing where to invest your money. As an investment advisor in Prayagraj, I can confidently recommend LIC schemes and Post Office schemes. LIC, being a government-owned entity, has a long-standing reputation for trustworthiness and reliability.

Similarly, Post Office schemes are backed by the government, ensuring a high level of security for your investments. Both LIC and the Post Office offer various products catering to different financial goals and timelines.

Whether you're looking for life insurance, retirement plans, or short-term savings options, there's a scheme that fits your needs. Additionally, these schemes provide attractive returns. 

LIC policies often come with bonuses, while Post Office schemes offer assured returns, often higher than traditional savings accounts. For reliable and comprehensive LIC Agent service in Prayagraj, look no further.

Key LIC Products to Consider :

1. Endowment Plans: These plans combine insurance coverage with savings. They are ideal for those looking to build a corpus over a period while enjoying the benefits of life cover.

2. Term Insurance: For those seeking pure risk cover, term insurance is the best option. It offers high coverage at low premiums, ensuring financial security for your dependents in case of your untimely demise.

3. Pension Plans: LIC’s pension plans help you plan for a financially secure retirement. By investing regularly, you can ensure a steady income post-retirement.

4. ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans): ULIPs offer the dual benefit of insurance and investment. Part of your premium is invested in the market, potentially yielding higher returns, while the rest provides life cover.

Key Post Office Schemes to Consider :

1. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): Ideal for those seeking a regular income, POMIS provides a fixed monthly return, making it a perfect choice for retirees or those needing consistent income.

2. Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a long-term savings scheme with tax benefits. It offers attractive interest rates and the security of government backing.

3. National Savings Certificate (NSC): NSC is a fixed-income investment offering tax benefits. It’s suitable for risk-averse investors looking for safe and guaranteed returns.

4. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Aimed at the welfare of the girl child, SSY offers high interest rates and tax benefits, helping parents build a substantial corpus for their daughters’ future education and marriage.

How to Choose the Right Scheme :

1. Assess Your Financial Goals: Determine your short-term and long-term financial objectives. Are you saving for your child's education, a house, or retirement?

2. Risk Tolerance: Understand your risk appetite. LIC policies are generally low-risk, while ULIPs involve market-linked risks. Post Office Schemes are highly secure but may offer slightly lower returns compared to market-linked products.

3. Tax Benefits: Consider the tax implications of each scheme. Many LIC policies and Post Office Schemes offer tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

4. Liquidity Needs: Evaluate your need for liquidity. While some schemes like POMIS offer regular returns, others like PPF have a lock-in period.

Conclusion :

Investing in LIC and Post Office Schemes can be a prudent choice for securing your financial future. They offer a blend of safety, reliability, and attractive returns, making them suitable for a variety of financial goals. By carefully assessing your needs and understanding the features of each scheme, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial aspirations. Secure your tomorrow by investing wisely today.

[bllsbailey]

Hezbollah and Israel Are on the Brink of War...And the Biden White House Is Silent

As Sarah wrote on Saturday, tragedy has again struck Israel: Hezbollah reportedly fired a rocket at the Israeli Druze village of Majdal Shams, killing at least ten people, some of them children. They were playing a soccer game. The attack has increased tensions as Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel for months. It’s led to an internal displacement crisis, as Israelis in the northern part of the country have evacuated to the south. 

Since the start of the war in Gaza against Hamas in retaliation for the barbaric October 7 attacks, Israel has made no qualms about taking protracted military action against Hezbollah if the rocket attacks continue. Hamas’ invasion into the southern part of the country last year shocked the psyche of the Jewish state, where wiping out the terrorists and all threats to their nation was a security priority, a sentiment shared from across the political spectrum. We could be on the verge of a northern front opening in the Middle East, which has made the Biden White House nervous. This rocket attack comes as Kamala Harris, who has assumed the top slot in the 2024 Democratic Party ticket, called for a ceasefire in her remarks on the ongoing situation in Gaza (via Axios): 

The Biden administration is highly concerned that a rocket attack from Lebanon that killed 12 people in the Golan Heights could lead to an all out war between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. officials tell Axios.  The big picture: The administration for months has worried that both Israel and Hezbollah are miscalculating as they escalate their rhetoric and fighting on the ground while thinking they can avoid an all-out war.  U.S. officials are also concerned that without a ceasefire in Gaza, a war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group is becoming more likely, which would exacerbate the regional crisis and draw the U.S. deeper into the conflict.  "What happened today could be the trigger we have been worried about and tried to avoid for 10 months," a U.S. official told Axios. Driving the news: The IDF said twelve people were killed and more than 30 were wounded when a rocket exploded in a soccer field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights.  IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Hezbollah was responsible for the attack.  Hezbollah denied it fired the rocket and said it had no connection to the incident. Hagari called it the "most serious targeting" of Israeli civilians since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Where’s Joe Biden? As of writing this post at 2 am, there’s been no statement about the attack, not even a tweet. Who’s in charge of the White House? Does Joe Biden know there’s been an attack? In his last Oval Office address, Mr. Biden had a laundry list of items he thought he could get done, showing that he still had the mental capacity to carry out his duties. He needed to sound busy, but we’re on the brink of a second front opening in the Middle East between Israel and radical Islamic terrorists, and the president is AWOL.

Joe, is America back? Because something should have been released hours ago, even before your 4:30 PM bedtime. Has Biden been present at the NSC meetings on this situation? 

Trending on Townhall Videos

[joeyrapace]

Tax Planning & About Tax-Saving Investments in India

Tax-saving investments are essential to personal finance, enabling individuals to reduce their taxable income while simultaneously building a robust investment portfolio. In India, the Income Tax Act of 1961 offers various avenues for tax-saving investments, each catering to different financial goals and risk appetites. This blog delves into tax planning and the top tax-saving investment options available in 2024.

What is Tax Planning?

Tax planning refers to evaluating your financial situation and identifying strategies to minimise your income tax burden. The main objective of tax planning is to find opportunities to save on taxes, thereby reducing your overall tax liability as much as possible. This approach increases your disposable income, enabling you to invest more and work towards achieving your financial goals.

Tax-Saving Investments in India

1. Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Tax-saver Fixed Deposits (FDs) are a popular choice for conservative investors. These FDs offer tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, allowing you to claim a deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. They come with a lock-in period of five years and offer interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 7.75%. However, the interest earned is taxable.

2. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings instrument with a lock-in period of 15 years, making it suitable for long-term financial goals. Contributions to a PPF account earn an assured interest rate, typically higher than that offered by fixed deposits. You can claim tax deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh per financial year under Section 80C. PPF accounts can be opened at designated branches of public and private sector banks or post offices.

3. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)

ULIPs combine insurance and investment, allowing policyholders to invest in equity funds, debt funds, or a mix of both. They offer the flexibility to switch between funds based on your financial goals. Investments in ULIPs are eligible for tax deductions under Sections 80C and 10(10D). The returns on maturity are tax-free, making ULIPs a dual-benefit product.

4. National Savings Certificate (NSC)

The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a savings bond primarily aimed at small to mid-income investors. NSCs can be purchased from any post office or via internet banking if you have a savings account with a bank or post office. The investment amount qualifies for tax deductions under Section 80C. NSCs have a fixed maturity period and offer a fixed rate of interest, which is taxable upon maturity.

5. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

The SCSS is a government-sponsored savings instrument for individuals above 60 years of age, providing a steady and secure income post-retirement. The principal invested in SCSS is eligible for tax deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh as per Section 80C. However, the interest earned is taxable as per the applicable tax slab of the investor. This scheme offers one of the highest interest rates among fixed-income investments, making it attractive for senior citizens.

6. Life Insurance

Life insurance is a critical component of an individual's financial portfolio, providing financial security to the policyholder's family in the event of their untimely demise. Premiums paid for life insurance policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Proceeds received on death or maturity are tax-free under Section 10(10D). Various life insurance plans, including term plans, endowment plans, ULIPs, and money-back plans, offer different benefits tailored to individual needs.

7. Pension Plans

Pension plans, also known as retirement plans, help individuals accumulate a corpus for their post-retirement life. Contributions to pension plans are covered under Section 80CCC, a subsection of Section 80C, with a combined maximum deduction limit of Rs 1.5 lakh. On maturity, one-third of the stocked pension amount is tax-free, while the remaining two-thirds is taxed as per the individual's tax slab. The amount is tax-free upon the death of the beneficiary.

8. Health Insurance (Mediclaim)

Health insurance policies, commonly known as Mediclaim, cover medical expenses incurred due to accidents or hospitalisation. Premiums paid for health insurance qualify for tax deductions under Section 80D. You can claim up to Rs 25,000 for yourself and your family and an additional Rs 50,000 for senior citizen parents. The maturity value received under critical illness insurance policies is tax-free.

9. National Pension System (NPS)

The National Pension System (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings scheme regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It allows individuals to invest in equity, corporate bonds, and government securities. Contributions to NPS qualify for tax deductions under Section 80CCD, with an additional deduction of Rs 50,000 as per Section 80CCD(1B), over and above the Rs 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C. NPS offers a flexible and low-cost way to save for retirement.

10. Tax-Saving Mutual Funds (ELSS)

Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) invest primarily in equities, offering tax benefits as per Section 80C. ELSS funds come with a lock-in period of 3 years. It is the briefest among all tax-saving investments. They are suitable for investors with a medium to high-risk appetite. The returns on ELSS are linked to market performance, offering the potential for higher returns compared to traditional fixed-income instruments.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tax saving investments can significantly impact your financial health and future security. From conservative options like fixed deposits and PPF to market-linked instruments like ULIPs and ELSS, each investment avenue offers unique benefits and caters to different financial goals and risk profiles. By strategically investing in these options, you can save on taxes and build a diversified and robust investment portfolio.

[northpolemanagementllp]

Tax Deductions & Credits: How to Maximize Your Savings 💡🇮🇳

Navigating tax deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax burden and increase your savings. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of the tax benefits available:

1. Maximize Section 80C Deductions 📊

Investments: Utilize the ₹1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C through PPF, EPF, NSC, and ELSS.

Insurance: Premiums paid for life insurance policies qualify for deductions.

Tuition Fees: Fees paid for children’s education can also be claimed.

2. Health Insurance and Medical Expenses (Section 80D) 🏥

Premiums: Deductions up to ₹25,000 for self, spouse, and children. Additional ₹50,000 for senior citizen parents.

Preventive Health Checkups: Deduction up to ₹5,000 included in the overall limit.

3. Home Loan Interest (Section 24(b)) 🏡

Interest Deduction: Up to ₹2 lakh on home loan interest for self-occupied property.

Additional Deduction: Under Section 80EE, first-time homebuyers can claim an extra ₹50,000.

4. Education Loan (Section 80E) 🎓

Interest Payment: Deduction for interest paid on education loans, with no cap on the amount.

5. Donations (Section 80G) 🙏

Eligible Donations: Contributions to specified relief funds and charitable institutions qualify for 50% or 100% deductions.

Limit: Ensure donations are within 10% of adjusted gross total income.

6. Savings Account Interest (Section 80TTA) 💰

Interest Deduction: Up to ₹10,000 on interest earned from savings accounts in banks, post offices, or co-operative banks.

7. NPS Contributions (Section 80CCD) 🌐

Employee Contribution: Deduction up to ₹50,000 over and above the 80C limit for contributions to the National Pension System (NPS).

8. Standard Deduction for Salaried Individuals 💼

Deduction Amount: ₹50,000 standard deduction available to salaried employees for FY 2023-24.

9. HRA Exemption 🏘️

House Rent Allowance: Claim exemption under Section 10(13A) if you live in rented accommodation and receive HRA as part of your salary.

10. Other Noteworthy Deductions

Interest on Savings Certificates: Exemption on interest earned from certain government savings certificates.

Tax-Free Bonds: Invest in government-approved tax-free bonds for additional savings.

Implementing these strategies can help you significantly reduce your taxable income and maximize your savings. Always consult with a tax professional to tailor these strategies to your specific financial situation.

👉 Maximize your savings and optimize your tax planning today!

[atulksposts]

This blog post is about using an NSC calculator to estimate earnings on National Savings Certificates (NSCs) offered by the Post Office in India. NSCs are a safe investment with guaranteed returns but have a 5-year lock-in period. The calculator helps you input investment amount and see the estimated maturity amount and total interest earned. It is a good option for those seeking safe, long-term investment with tax benefits.

[ksknair]

Exploring the Best Post Office Schemes for Students in India

I've been delving into the world of savings and investments recently, and I'm amazed at the plethora of options we have right at our doorstep - the Indian Post Office Schemes! 😊 From the Recurring Deposit (RD) that lets you save a little every month, to the Time Deposit Account (TD) that works like a fixed deposit, there's something for everyone. 💰

What caught my eye is the Monthly Income Scheme Account (MIS) - perfect for those who want a consistent cashflow. 💵 And let's not forget the Public Provident Fund Account (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) that offer tax savings and a nice return. 🙌

https://fresherblog.com/post-office-schemes/

For my friends with a rural connection or interest in agriculture, the Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a gem. Your investment doubles in less than 10 years. 🚜

The best part? Even students can apply! Just fill out the form and submit it with your ID, address proof, and a snap. Oh, and you'll need some cash or a cheque for the first deposit. 📝

But remember, always read the fine print and make sure the scheme suits your needs and risk tolerance. Happy investing! 😊