Vijay confirms no alliance with BJP, TVK to go solo in Tamil Nadu assembly polls
During his Trinidad and Tobago visit as part of a five-nation tour, PM Narendra Modi celebrated deep-rooted cultural ties with the Caribbean nation. He was warmly welcomed with Bhojpuri chautal music, reflecting the strong Indian diaspora presence from UP and Bihar. At a traditional dinner hosted by PM Kamla Prasad Bissessar—whom Modi fondly called 'Bihar ki beti'—food was served on Suhari leaves, a symbol of cultural pride. Modi also gifted her sacred Saryu river water and a Ram temple replica, underscoring shared heritage and spiritual connection.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
23 minutes ago
- Indian Express
PM Modi Brazil Visit LIVE Updates: PM Modi greeted with Operation Sindoor-themed performance in Rio
PM Modi Brazil Visit for BRICS Summit 2025 LIVE Updates: PM Modi Brazil Visit for BRICS Summit 2025 LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brazil on Sunday for a four-day visit to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6 and 7. As he reached Rio on Saturday night, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the Indian community with a cultural performance based on the theme of Operation Sindoor. Modi's five-nation visit: Brazil is the fourth stop on Modi's five-nation tour. Before this, he visited Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. In Argentina, Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei and agreed to diversify two-way trade and ramp up cooperation in defence, critical minerals, pharmaceutical, energy and mining sectors. After Brazil, he will travel to Namibia as the final leg of his journey.
News18
29 minutes ago
- News18
One Big, Beautiful Bill Act: How New US Law Impacts NRIs Sending Money To India
One of the key proposals in the act that may directly impact the Indian diaspora residing in the US is the imposition of remittance tax at the rate of 3.5 per cent. One Big, Beautiful Bill Act: Despite staunch protests and opposition, the controversial piece of legislation 'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act', strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, has now become a law, bringing sweeping reforms including major tax changes, welfare cuts, defence spending hikes, and cultural policy. The bill had been passed by both the US Senate and the House of Representatives. Later, it was signed into law by President Trump at a ceremony held on July 4, during Independence Day celebrations at the White House. One of the key proposals in the act that may directly impact the Indian diaspora residing in the US is the imposition of remittance tax. Thereupon, NRIs living in the US on H1B, L1, F1 visas, and even Green Card holders will have to pay an Excise tax on remittances at the rate of 3.5 per cent (earlier proposed to 5 per cent), making it costlier to send money. 'The proposed tax will significantly affect Indian immigrants who send money to support families in India," said Bikramjit Bedi, Partner – Taxation, ASA & ASSOCIATES LLP. He noted that the added burden may deter many from continuing regular remittances, potentially impacting India's foreign exchange inflows. These individuals frequently remit funds to support their families back home. Experts warn this could lead to a decline in the overall volume of remittances. In FY24, India received nearly $33 billion in remittances from the US, according to RBI data—almost 28% of the total $118.7 billion in remittances received. A drop in this figure could impact household incomes and consumption levels in India. Complex Compliance And Legal Ambiguity Another layer of concern is the lack of clarity on whether taxpayers can claim credits for the remittance tax. 'India has a similar TCS provision, but offers relaxations based on purpose. The US tax, however, offers no such relief," Bedi pointed out. The tax may also test the limits of the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). While some argue the proposed levy violates the DTAA's non-discrimination clause, others believe the clause only covers income tax—not excise or transactional levies. Deepashree Shetty, Partner – Global Employer Services, BDO India, said the tax could impose not just financial pressure but also added paperwork. 'Remitters may face enhanced scrutiny, as banks would need to report data like nationality, remittance amounts, and tax paid," she explained. She added that given their temporary stay, individuals on such visas rely heavily on remittances. 'The tax would be an additional charge, reducing the net amount that reaches families back home," she said. About the Author First Published: July 06, 2025, 09:28 IST
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘I'll keep promoting human values': At 90, Dalai Lama doubles down on compassion while China looms amid succession storm
Prayers, prophecies and a wish for 40 more years Live Events A birthday without the fuss — DalaiLama (@DalaiLama) His commitments stay the same A life rooted in exile The heart of the matter Dalai Lama's succession: Who decides? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel On the cusp of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama didn't call for gifts or fanfare. Instead, he offered a reminder. 'I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organising events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.'He spoke these words from McLeodganj, the hill town that's been his refuge since 1959. His followers listened in temples, monasteries, online, wherever they could find Saturday, speaking at Tsuglagkhang, his main temple in McLeodganj, he told the gathering he sees more years ahead."Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara . I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far," he life in exile, he sees purpose in it. "Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that's where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. Those living here in Dharamshala. I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can."If you ask him, he is not one for grand parties. Posting on X on the eve of his birthday, he wrote, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organising events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts."And then, a simple call to action, "While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place."Even at 90, the core of his life's work stands unchanged."As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony , drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion."He credits his strength to teachings from the Buddha and Indian masters like Shantideva, quoting him word for word:"As long as space endures,As long as sentient being remain,Until then, may I too remainTo dispel the miseries of the world."Born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 in a small village in Tibet, recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at two, Tenzin Gyatso was thrust into leadership early. By 15, he faced the Chinese invasion. By 24, he fled Tibet. Since then, he's been the living symbol of a people in exile — and an idea that refuses to losing his homeland, he says, 'We have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that's where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot.'At a small monastery near Shimla, a young monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten — recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche — cut a cake and led prayers for the Dalai Lama's long life. It was a simple scene, but heavy with meaning: the lineage must go Kunga Lama summed it up. 'As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion.'It's not all peaceful prayers and butter lamps, though. His age-old struggle with China still shadows these celebrations. Beijing insists it alone must approve the next Dalai Lama. The 14th rejects this flatly. He has made it clear: the Gaden Phodrang Trust , the non-profit he founded, will decide who follows foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has said the selection must follow a process endorsed by Beijing, warning India to handle Tibet-related matters with government backs him. 'The decision on the next Dalai Lama lies solely with the current Dalai Lama and the religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism ,' said Minister Kiren Rijiju. China, predictably, bristled, warning India to tread age and politics, the Dalai Lama remains unbowed. He hopes for 40 more years to keep serving. Celebrations have unfolded across India's Tibetan settlements, with prayers not just for his health but for those suffering elsewhere from flooding in Himachal to conflict far signs off his birthday message simply, "Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion. Tashi Deleg and with prayers, Dalai Lama."
