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A step-by-step guide for moving to Canada and becoming a citizen there

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The <keyword id="23034745" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SpaceX-Polaris-Dawn-mission" source="keywords">SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission</keyword> featuring the first <keyword id="21529834" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spacewalk" source="keywords">spacewalk</keyword> by <keyword id="22932111" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-citizens" source="keywords">private citizens</keyword> is now slated for launch this Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Spearheaded by billionaire entrepreneur <keyword id="20781701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jared-Isaacman" source="keywords">Jared Isaacman</keyword>, the mission aims to achieve a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) — the highest reached by a crewed mission in over 50 years, since NASA's Apollo program. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112574677" title="I spent over $2,000 to fly United Polaris, a &amp;#39;reimagined&amp;#39; business class. It&amp;#39;s only worth it for trips over 10 hours." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>A key highlight will be the first-ever spacewalk conducted by a crew of four non-professional <keyword id="20038917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="astronauts" source="keywords">astronauts</keyword>, who will be wearing newly designed <keyword id="19905255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SpaceX" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="SpaceX" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="SpaceX">SpaceX</keyword> extravehicular activity (EVA) suits. These <keyword id="22220287" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EVA-suits" source="keywords">EVA suits</keyword> represent a significant advancement in <keyword id="22170081" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="spacesuit" source="keywords">spacesuit</keyword> technology, tailored specifically for the unique challenges of this <keyword id="22302640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="commercial-spacewalk" source="keywords">commercial spacewalk</keyword>. Developed by SpaceX, the suit is an evolution of the one already used by astronauts aboard the Dragon spacecraft, with several key enhancements for safety and functionality during spacewalks: 1. 3D-printed helmet: The suit features a 3D-printed helmet with a single-layer visor made of copper and indium-tin oxide, which provides protection against micrometeoroids and harsh space environments. The helmet also includes a heads-up display, allowing astronauts to monitor suit metrics like oxygen levels and temperature without looking away from their tasks. 2. Fireproof and stretchable fabric: The suit is constructed from fireproof materials that can withstand extreme temperatures. The fabric is also designed to be stretchable, giving astronauts better mobility, which is crucial during the spacewalk. 3. Redundant seals and pressure valves: To ensure the safety of the crew, the suit is equipped with redundant seals and pressure valves. These features help maintain the suit's integrity in case of a minor breach, which is critical during a spacewalk where even a small tear could be life-threatening. 4. Novel rotator joints: The inclusion of rotator joints in the suit allows for greater freedom of movement, particularly in the shoulders and arms. This is vital for astronauts to perform intricate tasks while outside the spacecraft. 5. Advanced boots: The boots of the EVA suit are made from the same heat-retardant material used on the Falcon 9 rocket. This ensures that the astronauts' feet are protected from extreme temperatures, which can vary drastically in space. 6. Suit metrics display: A heads-up display integrated into the helmet provides real-time data on suit health, including oxygen levels and pressure, enabling astronauts to react swiftly in case of anomalies. These suits are not only crucial for the safety and effectiveness of the planned spacewalk during <keyword id="22302639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="polaris-dawn" source="keywords">Polaris Dawn</keyword> but also represent a step forward in the development of gear that will be essential for future missions, potentially including deep-space exploration. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112667750" title="SpaceX is launching 4 people on a risky mission to fly through radiation belts and do the first commercial spacewalk" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission will take off on Friday. Here’s what the crew is going to be wearing

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I moved to the US in 2010 for grad school in New York City.</li><li>I planned to return to Argentina and continue my career there.</li></ul>When I applied to a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-a-degree-while-working-full-time-job-2019-8">master's degree program in the US</a>, I didn't plan to move permanently.I thought <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/columbia-university-nemat-shafik-president-resigns-2024-8">I'd attend Columbia</a> Journalism's 10-month program and then move back to Argentina, where I had left a boyfriend, my cat, a fully furnished apartment, and every member of my family.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-college-students-renege-job-offers-tech-rescinded-2024-7">When I got a job offer after graduating</a>, my dad insisted I should at least give New York City a try for a year.One thing led to the next, and I've been in the US for 14 years. I'm married and have three kids, and I recently <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/questions-i-was-asked-in-my-us-citizenship-test-2021-12">became an American citizen</a> so I could vote.Becoming a mom made me care more about politics. I want to do my part as a parent to ensure my three kids have a future full of opportunities.<h2 id="28755b18-7124-4da2-a3ef-c919763ff5ae">For years, I had to explain why I couldn't vote</h2>Every time an election came around, people would ask me <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-women-got-the-right-to-vote-american-voting-rights-timeline-2018-10">why I hadn't voted</a>.When <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/got-married-to-husband-three-times-less-than-a-year-2022-2">I got married to my husband</a>, family and friends assumed that because he was American, I would automatically be able to vote. It's not that simple. For a while after getting married I was still on a work visa, so legally I was still not eligible.Then, I decided to become a resident and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/big-tech-green-card-applications-pause-2024-5">applied for a green card</a> through marriage.I remember the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-immigrating-to-us-for-love-from-new-zealand-2022">interview for my green card</a> vividly. My husband and I had to prove that we were in a real relationship. We brought albums from our weddings, and I held our 4-month-old baby in my arms, trying to soothe him back to sleep. When the officer asked if I planned to overthrow the government, my sleep-deprived brain thought he asked whether I was going to "respect the government," to which I replied, "Yes." The officer stopped, my husband looked at me in shock, and I said, "Wait, what was the question?"The officer asked again. I answered correctly, and I sighed in relief when I was approved.Again, many people wrongly assumed that meant I could finally vote.<h2 id="a302a9d8-4a34-4659-a036-b7fceb00f28b">I became an American citizen at the end of 2021</h2>My <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-from-nyc-to-portland-maine-differences-surprises-2024-7">three kids were born in the US</a> and are American citizens. I worried about all of my family but me having American passports. One of my biggest fears was being separated from them at the US border when traveling back from vacations — I had been questioned extensively in the past despite having a valid work visa. So, after being on a green card for four years, I decided to apply for American citizenship.My main motivators were my kids. I wanted to ensure that we would never be separated because of our nationalities. I also wanted to be able to help make decisions about their future. One major way to do that was through voting.I took my citizenship test in November 2021. I was over-prepared and lost many nights of sleep. Weeks later, I was invited to my swearing ceremony and became a naturalized citizen.<h2 id="2151fc72-b7ca-4284-b7ae-116a2cbf4652">This is the first year I will vote for president</h2>Since becoming a citizen, I have participated in all local elections. In Argentina, voting is mandatory, and so I take the responsibility seriously.For the first time, I will vote for a US president, and I'm doing it because of my kids. I want to be able to cast my vote for their future since they can't vote yet.Whatever happens, it'll be a memorable election for me — I will finally get my "I voted" sticker.

I became an American citizen so I could vote. I want to have a say in my children's future.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US has plans to send more soldiers to the Middle East, NBC News reported.</li><li>They will be ready to evacuate US civilians if fighting threatens them, defense officials said.</li></ul>The US is planning to send more troops to the Middle East in the coming days in case American citizens need to evacuate the region, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/us-send-troops-ready-help-evacuate-us-citizens-lebanon-rcna172367">NBC News</a> reported, citing three defense officials.A few dozen additional soldiers will be added to the roughly 40,000 US troops already present in the region, according to the publication.It comes after Lebanon had its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-strikes-lebanon-hezbollah-posts-warns-civilians-move-away-2024-9">deadliest day</a> for decades on Monday after Israel ramped up strikes on the country.Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder commented on the development during a press <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3914549/pentagon-press-secretary-maj-gen-pat-ryder-holds-an-off-camera-on-the-record-pr/#:~:text=MAJOR%20GENERAL%20RYDER%3A%20No%20significant,are%20already%20in%20the%20region.">briefing</a> on Monday."In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region," he said.He declined to comment or give more specifics, citing operational security reasons.Tensions have been simmering in the region, where clashes between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militia <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-pushed-hezbollah-corner-may-trigger-an-all-out-war-2024-9">intensified</a> over the weekend.Israeli Defense Forces said they were intensifying <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-strikes-lebanon-hezbollah-posts-warns-civilians-move-away-2024-9">targeted strikes</a> on Hezbollah positions and warned civilians in Lebanon to stay away from potential Hezbollah targets for their "own safety."According to an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/mophleb/posts/pfbid0xvrzviXNDshhMAAJoNZekGXwpamr3BFTVKcn9jTXeFWHcwc7UoRweKiDTjMfRngNl">update</a> by Lebanon's health ministry, at least 492 people were killed, and another 1,645 were injured in the south of the country on Monday.On Sunday, Naim Qassem, a leader of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militia, said the group had entered a "battle of reckoning" with Israel.<h2 id="1ca0810b-d9c7-4772-9716-acdbc61d7130">Preventing a war</h2>Since the Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, the US has stepped up its military and diplomatic efforts in the region to serve as deterrence and prevent an all-out war.US officials told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/09/22/as-conflict-looms-where-are-us-forces-in-the-middle-east/">Military Times</a> that at least a dozen warships and four Air Force fighter jet squadrons were deployed across the region to protect allies and deter attacks.On Monday, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, two Navy destroyers, and a guided-missile cruiser <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.usff.navy.mil/Press-Room/News-Stories/Article/3914118/">headed</a> to the Sixth Fleet area in Europe on a regularly scheduled deployment.State Secretary Antony Blinken, meanwhile, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://il.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinken-is-on-travel-to-israel-egypt-and-qatar/">has</a> <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-travel-to-israel/">traveled</a> to the region <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-travel-to-france-egypt-israel-jordan-qatar-and-italy/">several times</a> over the last few months to help partners strike a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ceasefire-talks-ongoing-as-israel-forces-occupy-rafah-gaza-crossing-2024-5">cease-fire deal</a> between Hamas and Israel.In <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3914549/pentagon-press-secretary-maj-gen-pat-ryder-holds-an-off-camera-on-the-record-pr/">two calls</a> with his Israeli counterpart over the weekend, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "stressed the importance of finding a path to a diplomatic solution that will allow residents on both sides of the border to return to their homes as quickly and safely as possible, as well as reaching a Gaza cease-fire deal that will bring all the hostages home."President Joe Biden <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/09/22/remarks-by-president-biden-after-marine-one-arrival-26/">said</a> on Sunday that the US is doing "everything we can" to prevent a wider war in the Middle East."And we're still pushing hard," he added.<h2 id="ac5b0456-1b3a-482c-87a8-70175890ae46">It may be too late</h2>According to experts, the deaths of dozens of people caused by the explosions of handheld radios and pagers in Lebanon last week and Israel's intensifying airstrikes make <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-pushed-hezbollah-corner-may-trigger-an-all-out-war-2024-9">Hezbollah's retaliation</a> likely.Filippo Dionigi, a senior lecturer on international relations at the University of Bristol, told BI on Monday these attacks "make a greater reaction inevitable to the net of any self-restraining stance."Eugene Rogan, a professor of modern Middle Eastern history at the University of Oxford, said the barrage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, coupled with the dozens of people murdered and thousands injured by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-hezbollah-pager-walkie-talkies-explosion-supply-chain-infilitration-2024-9">detonating bombs</a> last week, "make for too many blows for Hezbollah to accept without reprisal.""Under the circumstances, the region would appear to be on the brink of all-out war in Lebanon," Rogan added.

The US is sending more troops to the Middle East to help US citizens flee as Israel-Hezbollah clashes intensify

No expert committee has been set up for extending <keyword id="19923745" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-benefits" source="keywords">health benefits</keyword> to cover citizens aged 70 and above under <keyword id="19913233" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat" source="keywords">Ayushman Bharat</keyword>, <keyword id="22556022" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Minister-of-State-for-Health" source="keywords">Union Minister of State for Health</keyword> Prataprao Jadhav told the Lok Sabha on Friday. He was responding to a question on whether the government proposed to cover citizens aged 70 and above by expanding Ayushman Bharat through the launch of a <keyword id="21782708" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Health-Claims-Exchange" source="keywords">national health claims exchange</keyword> and if an expert panel had been set up to strengthen the format of the scheme for the planned expansion. Jadhav, in a written reply, said all members of eligible families, irrespective of age, were covered under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The scheme provides <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">health insurance</keyword> cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore families, he said. "No expert committee has been set up for extending the health benefits to cover <keyword id="19894991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="senior-citizens" source="keywords">senior citizens</keyword> aged 70 and above," he stated. Responding to another question, Jadhav said 34 insurers and third-party administrators were live and approximately 300 hospitals ramping up to start sending their claims on the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), which aims to streamline and fasten health <keyword id="35450" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Insurance" source="Orion">insurance</keyword> claim processing, as on July 21. Jadhav said the government built the NHCX gateway under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It aims to streamline and standardise health insurance claim processing, enhance efficiency in the insurance industry and improve patient experience. It serves as a gateway for exchanging health claim information among insurers, third party audit, healthcare providers, beneficiaries and other relevant entities and ensures interoperability, machine-readability, auditability and verifiability, making the information exchange accurate and trustworthy, the minister said. This system will enhance efficiency and transparency in the insurance industry, benefiting policyholders and patients, he added. Supported by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and the General Insurance Council, the NHCX will enable standardised and faster health insurance claim processing, Jadhav said.

No panel formed for extending benefits to cover citizens above 70 under Ayushman Bharat, says govt

Anticipation is steadily building for the Union Budget of 2024, which President Murmu has hinted could be “historic”. Stakeholders are optimistic about policies aimed at enhancing domestic production and fostering economic growth. Consumers, on the other hand, eagerly await the potential benefits coming their way—including ones from the upcoming <keyword id="12026484" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Railway-budget" source="Orion">Railway budget</keyword>. According to reports thus far, the Union Budget of 2024 is expected to place a significant emphasis on the Railway industry—one of the three cores of the Indian economy. This time, there is a strong expectation that the Railway budget will address various consumer-centric issues, including travel safety and overall experience quality. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget on July 23, here are some key expectations for the Railway industry: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Highest-ever allocation for Indian Railways budget" comment="subhead" text="Highest-ever allocation for Indian Railways budget">Highest-ever allocation for <keyword id="6355455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Railways" source="Orion">Indian Railways</keyword> budget</cmsannotation> <keyword id="15478236" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2024" source="Orion">Budget 2024</keyword> is anticipated to heavily focus on several aspects of the railway sector. In the interim budget of 2024, the <keyword id="19905911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Railways" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Railways" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Railways">Ministry of Railways</keyword> was allocated Rs 2.55 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. However, the upcoming budget is expected to increase this allocation significantly, ET NOW reports. It could potentially reach Rs 3 lakh crore, marking the highest-ever allocation for this sector. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Increased focus on passenger safety and capacity" comment="subhead" text="Increased focus on passenger safety and capacity">Increased focus on passenger safety and capacity</cmsannotation> During the Lok Sabha elections, the <keyword id="6360676" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="railways" source="Orion">railways</keyword> ministry faced significant criticism for various safety incidents and overcrowding in general coaches. To address these issues, the ministry is expected to allocate substantial funds to prevent operational mishaps, expand rail capacity and reduce congestion, the Business Standard reports. The government is expected to focus on the implementation of Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection System. Experts welcome the government’s emphasis on safety upgrades, particularly the network-wide implementation of train protection systems and the mechanisation of maintenance operations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Enhancing passenger travel experience and quality" comment="subhead" text="Enhancing passenger travel experience and quality">Enhancing passenger travel experience and quality</cmsannotation> The budget is also anticipated to focus on improving facilities for passengers, modernising amenities and enhancing the overall quality of railway travel, as per Goodreturns. Capital expenditure will likely be directed towards upgrading coaches, with an initial plan to upgrade 40,000 bogies, and improving sanitation facilities. Passenger comfort and safety will continue to be priorities as the public increasingly values comfort over cost. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Possible reinstatement of Senior Citizen Railway Concession" comment="subhead" text="Possible reinstatement of Senior Citizen Railway Concession">Possible reinstatement of <keyword id="22455972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Senior-Citizen-Railway-Concession" source="keywords">Senior Citizen Railway Concession</keyword></cmsannotation> There is growing anticipation about the potential reinstatement of the Senior Citizen Railway Concession during Budget 2024, according to Business Today. This move is seen as particularly significant ahead of the upcoming general elections later this year. In March 2020, the Indian Railways discontinued discounts on train fares for senior citizens and women, requiring them to pay full fares like other passengers. Previously, the Senior Citizen Railway Concession was available for all classes of mail and express trains. Reports and RTI inquiries have revealed that the withdrawal of these concessions led to significant additional revenue for the Railways. During the suspension period, the Indian Railways accrued Rs 5,062 crore from eight crore senior citizens, with Rs 2,242 crore resulting from the absence of concessions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Prioritising infrastructure spending" comment="subhead" text="Prioritising infrastructure spending">Prioritising infrastructure spending</cmsannotation> The <keyword id="19935166" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2024" source="keywords">Union Budget 2024</keyword> is expected to prioritise infrastructure spending, the Goodreturns report adds. The focus is likely to be on rapid development and completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight services. Capital funds are likely to be allocated for expanding the metro network, NaMo Bharat corridors, Vande Bharat trains, high-speed corridors and economic corridors. Plans also include developing a high-speed rail network like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route and allocating funds towards the Rapid Rail Transport System.

Union Budget 2024 for Railways: Expectations focused on improving passenger safety, experience, infrastructure

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Larry Ellison says AI will enable a vast surveillance system that can monitor citizens.</li><li>Ellison, the billionaire cofounder of Oracle, shared his thoughts on AI during a recent meeting.</li></ul>Walking down a suburban neighborhood street already feels like <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/does-ring-camera-spy-on-you-2023-6">a Ring doorbell panopticon</a>.But this is only the start of our surveillance dystopia, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/larry-ellison">Larry Ellison</a>, the billionaire cofounder of Oracle. He said AI will usher in a new era of surveillance that he gleefully said will ensure "citizens will be on their best behavior."Ellison made the comments as he spoke to investors earlier this week during an Oracle financial analysts meeting, where he shared his thoughts on the future of AI-powered surveillance tools.Ellison said AI would be used in the future to constantly watch and analyze vast surveillance systems, like security cameras, police body cameras, doorbell cameras, and vehicle dashboard cameras."We're going to have supervision," Ellison said. "Every police officer is going to be supervised at all times, and if there's a problem, AI will report that problem and report it to the appropriate person. Citizens will be on their best behavior because we are constantly recording and reporting everything that's going on."Ellison also expects AI drones to replace police cars in high-speed chases. "You just have a drone follow the car," Ellison said. "It's very simple in the age of autonomous drones." He did not say if those drones would broadcast the chases on network news.Ellison's company, Oracle, like almost every company these days, is aggressively pursuing opportunities in the AI industry. It already has several projects in the works, including one in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-larry-ellison-team-up-ai-farming-tool-starlink-2024-3">partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX</a>.Ellison is the world's sixth-richest man with a net worth of $157 billion, according to Bloomberg. Ellison's children have made names for themselves in the film industry. His daughter Megan Ellison founded <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/larry-ellison-daughter-megan-ellison-annapurna-video-games-staff-revolt-2024-9">her production company Annapurna Pictures</a> in 2011, and his son David Ellison is set to <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paramount-global-agrees-to-merge-with-skydance-shari-redstone-2024-7">become CEO of Paramount</a> after it completes its merger with Skydance Media.

Billionaire Larry Ellison says a vast AI-fueled surveillance system can ensure 'citizens will be on their best behavior'

Top monthly income investment plans in India

Most of us think of India as a young country. And as home to one-fifth of the world's young population and with an average age of 29, you're right. But did you know India's elderly population is set to double from its present 153 million to a staggering 347 million, in just 30 years? Moreover, by the end of this century, the population of <keyword id="19894991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="senior-citizens" source="keywords">senior citizens</keyword> in India will surpass the population of those aged under 14, as per a report by the United Nations Population Fund and the International Institute for Population Sciences. As such, with <keyword id="19955368" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget-2024" source="keywords">budget 2024</keyword> looming on the horizon, what is it that this burgeoning section of our population wants? We take a look : <h2>Wish 1: Raise deduction threshold for <keyword id="22285655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mediclaim-premium" source="keywords">mediclaim premium</keyword></h2>At present, senior citizens (aged 60 and above) and super senior citizens (aged 80 and above) can claim a deduction of up to Rs 50,000 on health insurance premiums they pay during the year. For those aged below 60, the annual deduction limit is of Rs 25,000. But, as Tarun Mathur, CBO, Policybazaar.com notes, "There’s a need for an increase in the tax deduction limit for health insurance premiums, to raise the same to Rs 50,000 for individuals, their spouses, and dependent children, and to Rs 1 lakh for senior citizen parents". With insurance regulator <keyword id="6361421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IRDA" source="Orion">IRDA</keyword> removing the age cap (which was previously 65 years) for buying new insurance policies, health insurance for senior citizens becomes far more accessible. Given that only 20% of India's population aged 60 have any kind of health insurance, a comprehensive insurance coverage with low tax liabilities becomes a necessity for our senior citizens. At present, the government is mulling extending the <keyword id="22285657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayushman-Bharat-Pradhan-Yojana" source="Orion">Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Yojana</keyword> to provide crucial, free healthcare support for India's senior citizens aged above 70. But only time, and July 22nd will tell. <h2>Wish 2: Offer similar tax benefits to pension products as NPS </h2>NPS, or <keyword id="475509" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Pension-System" source="Orion">National Pension System</keyword> is a lucrative retirement planning scheme. And it comes with many tax benefits. For instance, if you withdraw up to 60% of your accumulated pension as lumpsum once you turn 60, your withdrawal is tax free. Similarly, if any amount you receive from NPS is reinvested in the annuity plan, it remains tax exempt. However, income from annuities is taxed as per your regular income tax slab. And any early withdrawals that you make (before 60 years) will attract taxes. A standard deduction of Rs 50,000, or amount of annuity income (whichever is lower) can be claimed. But under regular annuities or pension products, senior citizens pay a 10% tax on total taxable income over Rs. 3 lakhs , Rs 20,000 + 20% over amount exceeding Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 1.2 lakh+ 30% on amount exceeding Rs 10 lakh. As Mathur notes, "Pension products like annuity plans should be given the same tax benefits as NPS, since the current taxation does not encourage investment in retirement planning. It’s also necessary to expand Section 80C deductions and add a dedicated category for term insurance because the existing limit of Rs. 1,50,000 is insufficient". Even retirement planner Sanjeev Dawar notes that income from annuities is a primary source of income for retirees. "As such, tax relief is expected since returns, although assured for life, are relatively low. Moreover, they remain fixed and have no sensitivity to inflation". Additionally, Dawar also advocates for special financial considerations for eligible individuals who are compelled to stay in old-age homes in their twilight years. It is also needed that travel concessions, that have been withdrawn, are restarted". <h2>Wish 3: Lowering lock-in periods for elderly </h2>Many schemes like national savings certificate (NSC), unit-linked insurance plans (ULIP) and senior citizen savings scheme (SCSS) are subject to tax deductions, provided they are redeemed after their specific <keyword id="20792448" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lock-in-period" source="keywords">lock-in period</keyword>. For instance, tax-saver FDs, ULIPs and NSC have a lock-in period of 5 years, while equity-linked savings scheme (ELSS) have a lock-in period of 3 years. It would help senior citizens if this lock-in period is reduced, so that they have some liquidity and cash handy during medical or other such emergencies. Additionally, withdrawals should be allowed within lock-in period sans hefty penalties, as is the case right now. <h2>Wish 4: Lowering GST on health insurance premiums </h2>Currently, GST on health insurance premium is payable at 18%, which can translate into a hefty levy, especially since senior citizens end up paying significantly higher premiums to get insurance coverage. For a premium of Rs 30,000, the GST could go as high as Rs 5,400. As per Prasun Sikdar, MD &amp; CEO, Manipal Cigna Health Insurance, "lowering the GST burden on the health insurance premiums will be a huge respite for missing middle and senior citizens to get access to quality healthcare they need and help to significantly boost insurance penetration across India by driving affordability.” <h2> Wish 5: Reduce tax on <keyword id="21695681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="passive-income" source="keywords">passive income</keyword> sources for aged</h2>For most senior citizens, rental income from house, pension and other such passive sources turn into a major income avenue, once they retire from active employment. As such, these should be taxed at a lower slab, and not considered as regular salary. Or else, higher exemption limits should be introduced to allow them to save more. At present, the basic exemption limit for senior citizens between 60-80 years is Rs 3 lakh, while the exemption limit for citizens above 80 years is Rs 5 lakhs. The limits should be revised, keeping in mind how expensive medical care is in current times.

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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Thailand has a simple plan to boost its pandemic-hit economy.</li><li>It will give $275 to about 50 million people, more than two-thirds of the population.</li></ul>Thailand is the latest country to experiment with a cash handout program, hoping it will help its economy recover from a pandemic-induced slump.Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the program — called "Digital Wallet" — will offer payments of 10,000 baht, or about $275, to anyone making less than 840,000 baht, or $23,000, a year. In Thailand, that's about two-thirds of the population. Thavisin said about 50 million people will likely qualify. The cash handout was a central promise in the prime minister's campaign before he took office last year.After the success of pandemic-era cash handouts, numerous countries have flirted with extending the programs, or even making them permanent. Many of them are forms of a basic income, programs that typically offer cash payments with no strings attached to a particular group of people. Some candidates running for top office have even promised a universal basic income, which gives regular cash payments to all citizens with no strings attached.In South Africa, the country's largest political party pledged to create and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/south-africa-universal-basic-income-anc-2024-6">implement a universal basic income program </a>within the next two years. Kenya also offers a basic income program that gives <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-kenya-helps-families-buy-food-savings-ubi-gbi-2024-6">unconditional payments to 20,000 people</a>.Andrew Yang became one of the most famous advocates for a universal basic income in the United States when he <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-basic-income-2016-8">ran for president in 2020 on a plan to give all citizens $1,000</a> a month.Since then, numerous American cities — like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/houston-ubi-guaranteed-basic-income-uplift-harris-housing-finances-rent-2024-4">Houston</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/denver-basic-income-reduces-homelessness-food-insecurity-housing-ubi-gbi-2024-6">Denver</a> — have started <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/denver-basic-income-reduces-homelessness-food-insecurity-housing-ubi-gbi-2024-6">basic income programs for low-income residents</a>, inspired in part by the success of pandemic aid. The Texas Supreme Court temporarily <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guaranteed-basic-income-houston-residents-afford-rent-groceries-housing-2024-4">blocked the Houston program</a> after conservative politicians in the state challenged its constitutionality.The Thai prime minister's plan differs from these kinds of basic income schemes because it restricts how recipients can spend the cash.In the "Digital Wallet" program, recipients can only spend the money in shops registered through the program. Spending on things like alcohol, cigarettes, and online purchases is prohibited and participants only have six months to spend the cash after they receive it, Time reported.Thavisin said this infusion of cash would create an "economic tornado" and called it a "life-changing policy for the people" when he announced it in April. Thailand has struggled to regain its footing after the COVID-19 pandemic leveled its economy.The program will start taking applicants on August 1 and payments will begin in October, Thavisin said on X.

Thailand plans to give $275 cash handouts to 50 million low-income citizens

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The IDF said it had recovered six hostages' bodies from a tunnel in the Gaza Strip.</li><li>One of the bodies recovered was that of US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin.</li></ul>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the bodies of six hostages had been recovered from a tunnel in southern Gaza.In a statement posted to X, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the IDF and Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, found and recovered the bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino near Rafah.The IDF said it sent "heartfelt condolences to the families" and that "Israeli security forces were "operating with all means to bring home all the hostages as fast as possible."One of the hostages, Goldberg-Polin, was an Israeli-American whose parents spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August.In a statement, President Joe Biden said he was "devastated and outraged" by the news of Goldberg-Polin's death."Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages," he said.Vice President Kamala added: "Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh's parents, and with everyone who knew and loved Hersh.""President Biden and I will never waver in our commitment to free the Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza," she said.Around 1,200 people were killed and about 250 people were taken hostage in Gaza following Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel.The operation to retrieve the six hostages' bodies comes amid ongoing efforts aimed at securing a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

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