9/11 has changed many things

The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda upon the United States on September 11, 2001. On that morning, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners. The hijackers intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and many others working in the buildings. Both buildings collapsed within two hours, destroying nearby buildings and damaging others. The hijackers crashed a third airliner into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania, after some of its passengers and flight crew attempted to retake control of the plane, which the hijackers had redirected toward Washington, D.C. There were no survivors from any of the flights. In total 2,974 victims and the 19 hijackers died in the attacks.

The United States responded to the attacks by launching a "War on Terrorism"; invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, who had harbored al-Qaeda terrorists; and invading Iraq to dispose of Saddam Hussein and Iraq's supposed stock of weapons of mass destruction. However, with the exception of chemical weapon traces left over from the Iran-Iraq War, no such weapons have been found. The US also enacted the USA PATRIOT Act, while many other countries strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded law enforcement powers. Some American stock exchanges stayed closed for the rest of the week following the attack, and posted enormous losses upon reopening, especially in the airline and insurance industries. The destruction of billions of dollars worth of office space caused serious damage to the economy of Lower Manhattan. 

The motive of this huge incident was to create terror in hearts of the citizens and people all over the world. Many people lost their lives in this incident. The security was increased after this incident in the whole world.  

The attack killed nearly 3,000 people on September 11th alone. Of course, thousands more would die in the ensuing attacks and occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, both predicated on the 9/11/01 attack. Thousands more might eventually die prematurely from exposure to the toxic dust and gases that emanated from Ground Zero for months after the World Trade Center bombing. The pentagon was destroyed in the attack by the hijackers. The whole world was under great terror.  

Why did innocent suffered? 

Numerous incidents of harassment and hate crimes were reported against Middle Easterners and other "Middle Eastern-looking" people in the days following the 9/11 attacks. Sikhs were also targeted because Sikh males usually wear turbans. There were reports of verbal abuse, attacks on mosques and other religious buildings (including the firebombing of a Hindu temple) and assaults on people, including one murder: Balbir Singh Sodhi was fatally shot on September 15, 2001. He, like others, was a Sikh who was mistaken for a Muslim.

According to a study by Ball State University, people perceived to be Middle Eastern were as likely to be victims of hate crimes as followers of Islam during this time. The study also found a similar increase in hate crimes against people who may have been perceived as members of Islam, Arabs and others thought to be of Middle Eastern origin.  

What is the situation after 8 years? 

Today also some people are being harassed by the Americans they suspect each and every person. Few days ago famous actor shah rukh khan was detained at Newark airport. Khan, 43, was stopped and questioned at Newark airport on his arrival from India for about two hours on Saturday and was released only after the Indian consulate intervened, an incident that caused widespread anger in India with the government saying it would take up the issue with the US. Indeed after 9/11, there has been a tab on Muslims migration to US. Many innocent Muslims are being frisked.

I agree that it is the responsibility of the country to avoid mis-happenings. But why those were harassed who were innocent and had done nothing, their fault was only that they were of other caste, they looked different?  

How long will the innocent people suffer? 

Why all people are thought to be Terrorist? 

Things have changed drastically after September 11, 2001 world is facing huge terror in many parts. Still world is under the terror of 9/11, 2001. Come let us find out how the terrorism gets end. Please give your opinion.......................



World in threat of swine flu

Numbers of people are being affected by the “swine flu”. From nine years old child to old citizens. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that has infected humans. Investigations of these cases suggest that on-going human-to-human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is occurring. Many countries are under the threat of this disease known as” H1N1”. Countries like London, Mexico, India, and Singapore. 168 numbers of countries across the world are suffering H1N1. This flu is curable and is preventive by medications and by wearing face mask. Staying away from crowd, having distance from a person who is having cold, fever, since few days, wash hands in few period of time.


“Symptoms of swine flu”
Fear of suffering is next only to fear of death. Although uncomplicated influenza-like illness (fever, cough or sore throat) has been reported in many cases, mild respiratory illness (nasal congestion) without fever and occasional severe disease also has been reported. Other symptoms reported with swine influenza. A virus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, malign, headache, chills, fatigue, and dyspnea. Conjunctivitis is rare, but has been reported. Severe disease (pneumonia, respiratory failure) and fatal outcomes have been reported with swine influenza a virus infection. The symptoms can be reduced by taking Doctor’s guidance.

“Swine flu infection control”
Separation from others in single room if available. If the ill person needs to move to another part of the house, they should wear a mask. The ill person should be encouraged to wash hand frequently and follow respiratory hygiene practices. Cups and other utensils used by the ill person should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before use by other persons.

“How many people will have to pay their life”?
Innocent kids, old citizen’s people are losing their life’s day by day the number is increasing. Lack of knowledge about the disease, less screening test centre’s in cities, government is promising that on airport proper test is being taken of the people coming from foreign , it’s now the government has started taking test’s but few days ago if these steps would have been taken then a guy from Ahmadabad who lost his life would had been saved. As first case was found of H1N1 was found government of country should have taken strict action against it then many people would have been saved from the disease and death. Now also government is only promising that they have started taking decision against the threat but no one can find any change. A doctor lost his life because he did not have proper knowledge of his disease.



Mutual Funds Funda

Mutual fund are investment vehicles where professional fund managers accept investments from the general public, deploy them using their expertise and enable the investors to enjoy market linked returns, charging a small part of their investment as fee.

Let us understand how mutual funds work..............

  1. A new mutual fund scheme called dream come true has been launched.
  2. It raises Rs 1000000/- from the public.
  3. This money is divided into units of Rs 10 each. Thus it issues 100000 units.
  4. It invests Rs 1000000/- in two stock A and B each, whose market value is Rs 500 and Rs 1000 each. Thus it invests in 1000 shares of A and 500 shares of B.
  5. Assume after three month market value of A is Rs 550/- and B is Rs 1100/-.
  6. Now the market value of the entire investment is 1000 * 550 + 500 * 1100 = Rs 1100000/-.
  7. Fund incurs an expenditure of Rs 25000/-.
  8. Now the value of units is (market vale of investments – expenses / Total no of units)
  9. 1100000 – 25000 / 100000 = Rs 10.75 per unit.
  10. Rs 10.75 are called the NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) of the unit.
  11. If some body invest Rs 100000/- in the fund. He will receive Rs 107500/- after three months (NAV*No of units).

There are two types of scheme in mutual funds

  • Open Ended Schemes
  • Close Ended Schemes

Open Ended Schemes

  1. Units can be bought from and sold to the fund house issuing the fund at any time. For example Franklin India Blue Chip Fund. Unit will be issued at the NAV as on the date of purchase.
  2. It means we can buy or sell any time from the fund house.

Close Ended Schemes

  1. The fund house issues units only during a particular period. For example PRU ICICI Infra Fund.
  2. After the initial issue the fund house does not routinely buy or sell units.
  3. These units are listed in the stock exchange. Rarely a fund house buys back units from the market.
  4. It means we can sell these units through stock exchange and not to the fund house.

Both (Open and Close Ended Schemes) can fall into following categories.

  1. Equity Diversified Schemes
  2. Equity Linked Savings Schemes
  3. Balanced Schemes
  4. Debt Fund Schemes
  5. Liquid and Money Market Schemes
Equity Diversified Schemes

Investment is predominantly in equity shares. Investment is done of companies belonging to different sectors to diversify the risk. These schemes have the potential to deliver high returns but the risk is also high. For example Reliance Vision Fund. They have two types as follows

· Dividend Option

Here regular payouts are made to the investor based on the gains made by the fund. Some portion of the gain is paid as dividend.

· Growth Option

Here the fund reinvests the gains made and does not pay them as dividend. Purpose is to achieve long term capital appreciation. They do not have any lock in period. Units can be bought and sold at any time.

Equity diversified scheme are not eligible for Sec 80C benefits. Gains from these funds becomes taxable @ 10% if they are sold within one year of the purchase. Gains are exempt from tax if the units are sold after one year of purchase.

Equity Linked Savings Schemes

  1. These are only class of mutual funds eligible for Sec 80 C benefits.
  2. At least 90% of the corpus has to be invested in equity.
  3. Investment has to be locked in for a minimum of 3 years.
  4. Lock in of these schemes is different from that of a insurance scheme. If an insurance scheme has a lock in of 3 years, only the first premium gets locked in for 3 years.
  5. If investments are made in the year 2005, 2006, & 2007, the entire amount can be withdrawn in 2008.
  6. Under ELSS the investment made in 2004 can be withdrawn in 2008 amount invested in 2006 can be withdrawn only in 2009 and amount invested in 2007 can be withdrawn only in 2010. Effectively under ELSS lock in works out to be higher.
  7. Investment in these schemes is eligible for benefit under section 80C.
  8. Gains form these funds becomes taxable @ 10% if they are sold within one year of purchase.

Balanced Schemes

  1. These funds invest part of their funds in equities and the rest in debt. Purpose is to achieve moderate capital appreciation, capital preservation and reasonable current income.
  2. Less risky compared to equity funds, returns also are lesser.
  3. Ideal for investors who want to enjoy the benefits of equity and at the same time want some protection against the down side.
  4. For example HDFC balance fund.
  5. These schemes are not eligible for Sec 80C benefits.
  6. Gains are exempt from tax if the units are sold after one year of purchase provided investment in equity is at least 65%. Otherwise gains are taxed at 10%.

Debt Funds Schemes

  1. Invest in debt instruments of government, private companies, banks, financial institutions etc.
  2. Low risk as investments are made in fixed income generating instruments.
  3. Expected return is also moderate. These schemes generate stable current income.
  4. For example Birla Bond Index Fund.
  5. No benefits Under section 80 C.
  6. Gains are exempt from tax if the units are sold after one year of purchase.

Money Market Mutual Funds

  1. Investments made in short term debt instruments with a maturity of less than one year.
  2. For example short term government securities, investment with the banks for short term.
  3. These funds are very liquid and are relatively safe. The returns generated are very low.
  4. Gains are exempt from tax if the units are sold after one year of purchase.
  5. Dividend distributed by these funds becomes taxable @ 28% in the hand of the fund itself.

Charges in Mutual Funds

· Entry load

This is a charge which is levied on the investor at the time of entry to the scheme. Usually this is 2.25% of the amount invested in most of the funds. It means if you invest Rs 10000/- in Mutual Fund, you have to pay immediately 2.25% of Rs 10000/- that is Rs 225/-, Rs 9775/- will be invest in mutual fund.

· Fund Management Charges

This is a fee levied for managing the funds of the investor. This charge is usually 2.25% every year for equity funds, as equity investment requires more research and monitoring compared to debt funds. Fund management charge is lived as 2.25% of NAV.



Calculate Taxable Income

Calculate Your Taxable Income
As per the provisions of the income tax Act there are five heads of Income. Following are as below—
  • Salary
  • House Property
  • Business & Profession
  • Capital Gains
  • Other Sources


Steps in calculating tax—
  • Classify the receipts into one of the five sources.
  • Collect information on all the receipts both cash and other source of income. (income from lottery)
  • Deduct exemptions allowed from each source of income. (Medical allowance exempt up to Rs 15000/-)
  • Add taxable portion of income from all sources.
  • Calculate tax based on the prevailing rates and also depending on weather male below 65, female below 65 or a senior citizen.
  • If the income is above Rs 1000000/- add surcharge @ 10%.
  • Calculate education cess @ 3% on the tax payable including surcharge.


Tax slab for Man

From
To
%
0
110000/-
0%
110001
150000/-
10%
150001
250000/-
20%
250001
Above
30%

Tax slab for Women

From
To
%
0
145000/-
0%
145001
150000/-
10%
150001
250000/-
20%
250001
Above
30%

Tax slab for Senior Citizen
From
To
%
0
195000/-
0%
195001
250000/-
20%
250001
Above
30%

Tax Savings under Sec 80 C
  • Premium paid towards life insurance.
  • Equity linked savings scheme of mutual fund.
  • National savings scheme.
  • Tuition free paid on children’s education up to two children.
  • Public provident fund.
  • Bank fixed deposits with a tenure of 5 years or more.
  • Principal on housing loan.

  • Recognized superannuation fund.
  • Specified infrastructure bond.

Tax Savings under Sec 80 CCE

  • In this section the maximum allowable deductions for investments made under section 80C and 80CCC (pension) taken together is Rs 100000/-.
  • Maximum deduction for 80C + 80CCC is Rs 100000/- with no internal break up limit.

Tax Savings under Sec 10 (10D)

  • Proceeds from an insurance policy including the gain made are tax free provided that sum assured is at least 5 times of premium.
  • In case this condition is violated then the entire proceeds becomes taxable as income from other sources. Proceeds form a key man insurance policy is taxable.

For Example

Particular
Amount
Basic
150000/-
Transportation Allowance
15000/-
Medical Allowance
20000/-
Special Allowance
300000/-
Personal Pay
300000/-
Incentives
450000/-
Total
1215000/-

Solution

Particular
Amount
Amount
Basic is fully taxable
150000/-
Personal pay is fully taxable
300000/-
Special Allowance is fully taxable
300000/-
Incentives is fully taxable
450000/-
Medical Allowance (less exempt amount Rs 15000/- u/s 80D)
20000/-
-15000/-
5000/-
Transportation Allowance (less max exempt amount Rs 9600/-)
15000/-
-9600/-
5400/-
Total Taxable Amount
1210400/-

Calculate total tax

Slab
Income in the slab
Rate
Tax
0 to 110000/-
110000/-
0%
0/-
110001/- to 150000/-
40000/-
10%
4000/-
150001/- to 250000/-
100000/-
20%
20000/-
Above 250001/-
960400/-
30%
288120/-
Total
312120/-
Add Surcharge @ 10% on 312120/-
31212/-
Total
343332/-
Add Education cess @ 3%
10300/-
Total Tax
353632/-
Note

  • Maximum exempt amount is Rs 15000/- for medical allowance under section 80D but you need to furnishes all medical bills.
  • Maximum exempt amount is Rs 9600/- for transportation allowance.
  • Surcharge @ 10% incase of total income is more than 10 lakh per annum.
  • Education cess @ 3%.
Jaago India

Twenty-20 World cup 2007














Young Indian cricket team create a history after 24 years, Indian team beat Pakistan team in Twenty-20 world cup in final match. India win by 5 runs.
India win the toss and elected to bat first. Indian team made 157 runs for 5 wickets. Pakistan all out in 152 runs.

Jaago India