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Now, no more worrying about recharging with free <keyword id="6515745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="roaming">roaming</keyword> packs before leaving for a long journey. State-owned <keyword id="30351" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="BSNL">BSNL</keyword> brings good news for its subscribers with its plan to offer <keyword id="2880548" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="free-incoming">free incoming</keyword> calls on roaming from June 15, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today. 

	"BSNL will start offering free national roaming from June 15. It's already on the recovery path," Prasad said at a press meet marking one year of the Modi government. 
 The announcement comes ahead of full mobile number portability (<keyword id="108664" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="MNP">MNP</keyword>), which will be effective July this year. BSNL has a mobile subscriber base of 7.72 crore at the end of March. 

	"Although there could be slight reduction in revenue on account of free incoming calls during roaming, we expect to gain first mover advantage and anticipate offsetting this amount by arresting churnout/porting out and acquiring new customers," BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava said at the press meet. 
 However, free incoming calls will be offered for one year. The Minister added that in 2004, BSNL made profits of Rs 10,000 crore, and its loss stood at Rs 7,500 crore in 2014 when the Modi government took over. <keyword id="28256" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="MTNL">MTNL</keyword>, he said, was in profit zone till 2008, but is now facing losses. 

	MTNL offers services in Delhi and Mumbai while BSNL takes care of the rest of the country. 
 

	Prasad added that the government is taking all possible steps to revive these two state-owned entities. 
 

	The efforts are bearing fruit, he said, adding BSNL's revenue went up 2.1 per cent in 2014-15 and active subscribers rose 47 lakhs, thus reversing the negative trend of previous years. 
 

	Under phase VII of BSNL, 15,000 new base tower stations were commissioned in one year which have reduced call drops and eased congestion. 
 

	"MTNL added 2.11 lakh subscribers in 2014-15, arresting the negative trend of previous years, and will add 1,680 tower sites in Delhi and Mumbai each," he said. 
 

	However, he did not say anything specific about talks of merger of the two.

	 
	(image credits: indiannerve.com)

BSNL to offer free incoming calls on roaming from June 15

Telecom operator Idea Cellular today announced free incoming calls on domestic roaming and unveiled international roaming value packs that, it claimed, would prevent "bill shocks" to those travelling abroad, as per a news report by PTI. 
 
The offers come on the heels of the larger rival Bharti Airtel announcing removal of all roaming charges for outgoing and incoming calls as well as SMSes and data usage within India, to take on competition from newcomer Reliance Jio. 
 
"Effective April 1, 2017, Idea's 200 million customers will enjoy free incoming calls while roaming on company's 2G, 3G and 4G network across 400,000 towns and villages in the country. Idea customers will be able to make outgoing calls, SMS freely at affordable rates while roaming anywhere in India," an Idea release said. 
 
It further said mobile data tariffs and data pack benefits of home circle will be available while roaming within India at no extra charge. 
The facility of free incoming calls on domestic roaming will be extended to both prepaid and postpaid customers. 
 
For international travellers, the company is offering international roaming value packs with free bundled usage of up to 400 outgoing minutes, 100 SMSes per day, 3GB bundled data and unlimited incoming calls for Rs 2,499 for Asia, and Rs 5,999 for Europe for 30 days validity. 
 
"These international roaming packs also come bundled with free 1GB/2GB/3GB data and overage charges as low as Rs 3 per MB to avoid bill shock to travelling customers," Idea said. 
 
The company said it has done a study of customer s travel destinations, usage patterns and bill shock complaints to design a new range of value packs for select destinations across Europe, Asia, America, UK and Middle East. 
 
"For value conscious customers, the packs start at Rs 1,199 for 10 days validity and go up to Rs 5,999 for 30 days validity, giving up to 85 per cent savings on international roaming charges," it said. 
 
"...Idea is now set to enable over 200 million customers to use their mobile phones freely, without having to worry about roaming charges, while they travel anywhere in the country," Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer of Idea Cellular said. 
 
On February 27, Bharti Airtel had removed domestic roaming charges on calls and data, and said international call rates will be cut by up to 90 per cent to as low as Rs 3 per minute and data charges by up to 99 per cent to Rs 3 per MB across popular roaming destinations. 
In a press statement, 'Airtel Declares War on Roaming', the company had then said the move will lead to "death of National Roaming" from April 1.

With Idea making incoming calls free, national roaming will
soon be a matter of past

<div id="storyText" itemprop="video"><div itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NewsArticle"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table r_lapi"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/topics/news/france.htm"></a></div></div></div>France is considering making 2017 a year free of income tax.The government wants to shift to a system of automatic withholding, similar to that in the United States and much of the rest of the world.Employees in France currently pay taxes a year after their income is earned.Christian Eckert, France's budget secretary, said Wednesday that the government will not double-tax workers in 2018, the year automatic withholding is to begin. So 2017 incomes could effectively be tax-free for regular salaries.Taxpayers won't actually feel much of a difference though - they would still spend 2017 paying for the previous year.The U.S. began withholding taxes in 1943. <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/topics/news/canada.htm" class="r_lapi">Canada</a> and <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/topics/news/germany.htm" class="r_lapi">Germany</a> did so even earlier, in 1917 and 1925 respectively.</div></div> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/qualities-bad-leader-micromanagement-complaining-2015-6">4 things a leader should never do</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="BzOHVqdTpZ6TfLyyRyA8CtKSe33VDpep" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

France is considering making 2017 a year free of income tax

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Shannon Stapleton/Reuters</div></div></div><ul><li>Advocates for universal basic income expect the idea to become politically mainstream in 2018.</li><li>Politicians have already started proposing trials for their cities and states.</li><li>Existing welfare programs could offer a foundation for bringing basic income to the masses, experts agree.</li></ul> The world is still a long ways off from <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-basic-income-2016-8">universal basic income</a>, a system of social welfare in which every person on the planet receives a standard salary just for being alive.But advocates claim the US is on course to pass an important milestone this year: 2018 is shaping up to be the year basic income reaches mainstream politics."We're going to see concrete basic income proposals introduced in 2018, with a focus on the state and city level," Jim Pugh, a San Francisco-based basic income expert, told Business Insider.<h2>Basic income is becoming mainstream</h2>About a dozen experiments are running or in the planning phases in cities and countries around the world. Versions of basic income are playing out in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-experiments-in-2017-2017-1/#kenya-1">Kenya</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-experiments-in-2017-2017-1/#finland-2">Finland</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ontario-announces-basic-income-plan-2017-4">Canada</a>, and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/y-combinator-basic-income-test-2017-9">California</a>, and others could soon come to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/25/scotland-universal-basic-income-councils-pilot-scheme">Scotland</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-experiments-in-2017-2017-1/#india-6">India</a>, and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-experiments-in-2017-2017-1/#utrecht-the-netherlands-4">the Netherlands</a>.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx9GFpKCAz0">YouTube/iPhone-Fan</a></div></div></div>The theory is that by giving everyone an income "floor," governments can help people live healthy, prosperous lives.Economists and tech experts <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/obama-warns-congress-about-robot-job-takeover-2016-3">who foresee a robot-run future </a>where unemployment is high also like the idea for its potential to offset lost wages. They believe that even if a machine takes your job, basic income could save you from falling into poverty while you look for new work.In July 2017, Hawaii State Rep. Chris Lee <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hawaii-basic-income-bill-2017-6">published a bill</a> to investigate basic income for his state. Three months later, Mayor Michael Tubbs of Stockton, California <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/stockton-california-launching-the-first-us-experiment-in-basic-income-2017-10">announced</a> his plans to launch a basic income study in his city, which became the first in the US to file bankruptcy back in 2012. The two men joined <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/president-obama-basic-income-debate-2016-10">Barack Obama</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hillary-clinton-basic-income-for-presidential-campaign-2017-9">Hillary Clinton</a> as political figures intrigued by the idea."When I talk to people now about basic income, nearly everyone is familiar with the concept, including elected officials," Pugh, the cofounder of the Universal Income Project, an advocacy group, told Business Insider.<h2>Basic income goes political</h2>Pugh and a handful of other experts Business Insider spoke with expect basic income to become more of a mainstream political idea in 2018. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image on-image">Drew Angerer / Getty imagesYC President Sam Altman.</div></div></div>"Remember, basic income is not one idea. It's a direction of thought," Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and basic income advocate, told Business Insider. "We can make our current welfare state more basic income-ish in many ways," such as removing certain barriers to qualify, he said. "And there are a lot of politicians - mainly on the left - who are in favor of that direction."Sam Altman, president of the startup accelerator Y Combinator, said despite the second phase of his company's Oakland experiment rolling out later this year, UBI is still slow-moving."I think interest will continue to grow. I don't think we'll see meaningful policy progress this year," he said. "But I think it's getting into people's minds in a way that is good and different than communism, and gradually people are getting more open to the idea."Writer and basic income advocate Scott Santens was more optimistic, pointing to a handful of trials as reasons for being excited in 2018, including Stockton's, Scotland, and India. Santens also said to expect discussion in Poland, Mexico, and Japan."It's impossible to say for certain who the next three countries to announce UBI trials will be," Santens said, "but I do expect at least that many more countries to step up this year."<h2>The way into basic income could be through a side door</h2>Many of the experts pointed to the earned-income tax credit (EITC) as the best candidate for major welfare reform, particularly in California and Colorado. "A discussion on welfare reform if it ever begins is an opportunity to promote cash transfers," Andy Stern, author and former president of the Service Employees International Union, told Business Insider.The EITC works like a large tax refund, paid out to low-income workers during tax season. The specific amount decreases or increases based on the person's income level: The less you make, the more you receive, up to around $2,500 a year.A number of basic income enthusiasts expect EITC to be the on-ramp for full-fledged UBI.Joe Sanberg, head of the nonprofit CalEITC4Me, is on a mission to help millions of Californians receive their EITC funds if they qualify. A <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/07/progressive-challenger-emerges-feinstein-242472">possible candidate</a> to run for US Senator in 2018, Sanberg <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article158475329.html">pushed through a measure</a> to expand the EITC in California from 600,000 people to 1.7 million.Pugh and other experts believe states will only continue to ramp up these kinds of efforts."I'm confident there will be campaigns launched to implement these policies at some point this year," Pugh said. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jeffrey-kleintop-investment-strategist-future-markets-equities-bitcoin-in-2018-2017-12">We talked to Charles Schwab's investment strategist about what 2018 holds for equities, the Fed, and bitcoin</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Basic income experts predict an important milestone for free money in 2018

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6638444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="municipal-bonds">Municipal bonds</keyword> are debt securities issued by local governments to fund public projects like schools, hospitals, or highways.</li><li>Investors buy municipal bonds because interest earned is exempt from federal income taxes, and in some cases, from state and local taxes.</li><li>Because they are tax-efficient investment, municipal bonds are best for taxable accounts as opposed to tax-advantaged retirement accounts.</li></ul>Imagine a relatively safe, long-term investment that generates income, allows you to save on taxes, and funds public projects crucial a community.That's essentially what happens when you invest in municipal bonds, which allow you to invest in the infrastructure of state and local communities while adding diversity and tax efficiency to your portfolio. Here's what you need to know about municipal bonds, from why they're popular among tax-smart investors to how they can benefit your portfolio. <h2>What are municipal bonds?</h2>A municipal bond, or "muni" for short, is a type of bond issued by a state or municipality to help fund necessary public works projects.Munis are popular with investors because of their tax advantages. Interest earned on municipal bonds is usually exempt from federal income tax. If you purchase a muni in the state you live, it could also be exempt from state and local taxes. Earning tax-free income is especially attractive to investors in higher tax brackets.Quick tip: Muni bonds exempt from federal, state, and local taxes are known as "triple tax-exempt."Investors also like the inherent safety of municipal bonds. In most cases, because you are investing in a bond used to help finance infrastructure backed by a local government, you can usually count on getting your principal back at maturity. <h2>How do municipal bonds work?</h2>At its most basic level, a bond is a loan made by an investor to a borrower. Whereas<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-buy-treasury-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> treasury bonds</a> are issued by the US government and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-corporate-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corporate bonds </a>are issued by companies, municipal bonds are issued by local and state governments.State and local governments issue municipal bonds to help pay for a wide range of projects including roads, schools and hospitals. Investors who purchase these bonds lend money to the municipality in return for regular interest payments (usually semiannual) for a set amount of time.Principal is repaid when the bond matures, or when the loan ends. Munis have a wide <a href="https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/bonds-or-fixed-income-products-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maturity range of one to 30 years.</a><h3>Types of municipal bonds</h3>There are two types of municipal bonds, and they differ based on how they pay back investors: <ul><li>General obligation bonds: These bonds are secured with tax revenue and backed by the issuing municipality's taxing power. The population, demographics, economic diversity and budget outlook of the government issuing the bonds all play a role in the bonds' strength and creditworthiness. General obligation munis are often considered safe investments because, in most cases, the population is committed to the project and the municipality can use its power of taxation to repay the debt. </li><li>Revenue bonds: These bonds are repaid by revenue generated by the project. For instance, revenue raised from tolls from a highway project can be used to pay back bondholders. Or a new hospital may use cash from operations to pay interest and repay principal. Revenue bonds are thought to be riskier than general obligation bonds because of the limit on funds used to repay bondholders. Unlike general obligation bonds, revenue bonds cannot rely on taxes to pay back the bonds. </li></ul>It's important to pay special attention to the type of account you use to purchase these bonds. In a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/what-is-a-traditional-ira" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traditional IRA</a> or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-401k" target="_blank" rel="noopener">401(k) retirement account</a>, earnings already grow tax-free. Most investors find holding munis in taxable brokerage accounts help make the most of munis' tax-free status. In rare cases, municipal bond interest may not be exempt from federal taxes if they are used to fund an activity not qualified for tax-exempt status under IRS rules, like paying pension fund liability. It is usually obvious to you, your broker or your advisor when a muni is not exempt from federal taxes.Investors who buy and sell municipal bonds may be liable for capital gains tax on profits from those sales or for bonds purchased at a discount price. In addition, if you are subject to the alternative minimum tax, you may be required to pay some taxes on municipal bond interest.<h2>Are municipal bonds safe investments?</h2>Municipal bonds are considered relatively safe investments because they have lower default rates and higher credit ratings than corporate bonds. Plus, many munis are backed by insurance that guarantees payment in the event of a default.That's not to say munis are immune from default. For example, during the Puerto Rican debt crisis and the Detroit city bankruptcy, there were several muni bonds that could no longer make payments. If municipal bonds pique your interest, it's important to understand credit ratings. There are three major credit ratings agencies - Standard &amp; Poor's (S&amp;P), Moody's and Fitch - all of which rate the issuers of municipal bonds based on their ability to meet their financial obligations. This makes it easier for investors to evaluate risk. Quick tip: To research muni bonds in your area, visit the <a href="https://emma.msrb.org/Home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) website</a>, where you can find key information like bond type, yield, maturity, credit quality, and risk factors. Although many munis receive the highest ratings from the agencies, such as AA+ or Aa1, it's important to remember that ratings can be downgraded during the life of the bond if a municipality's financial situation changes. Like all bonds, munis also carry interest rate risk. When interest rates fall, prices for existing bonds paying higher rates will rise. In turn, when interest rates rise, prices on existing bonds paying lower rates will decline. If you hold muni bonds to maturity, price risk is not a factor. You only experience the ups and downs if you are buying and selling muni bonds.<h2>How much will I earn from municipal bonds? </h2>In return for safety and the tax advantages, investment-grade municipal bonds often yield less than their taxable counterparts, such as corporate and government-issued bonds.High-yield munis, or munis that come from less-creditworthy issuers, can have significantly higher yields than investment-grade munis ,but they come with more investment risk. Investors in high-tax brackets may find that the tax advantages of investing munis help bridge the gap between muni and taxable bond rates.Quick tip: The tax-equivalent yield (TEY) helps investors compare taxable bonds to tax-free muni bonds. To calculate the TEY, take the tax-free municipal bond yield divided by [1-marginal tax rate]. For example, if you're in the 35% tax bracket and looking to buy a tax-free muni bond yielding 4%, the TEY is 4 divided by [1-0.35], which is equal to 6.15%. A taxable bond yielding 6.15% would be the equivalent of the yield of this muni bond.<h2>How to buy municipal bonds</h2>In most cases, you buy and sell municipal bonds through a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-online-brokerage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broker</a>. There are three main ways you can invest in munis:<ul><li>Individual bonds bought through a broker require you to do your own research and decide whether to buy new issues or bonds sold through the secondary market, where you can buy munis already issued to other investors. You'll also need to investigate credit risk carefully, since your own portfolio of muni bonds will likely not be as diversified as a mutual fund or ETF.</li><li>Municipal bond mutual funds invest in a wide-range of muni bonds, offering investors the diversity they can't get on their own, while still providing the federal tax advantages on income and in some cases some limited state and local tax breaks. If the upside is instant diversification and professional management, the downside is recurring management fees. You'll also be subject to capital gains tax when you sell your shares.</li><li>Mutual bond ETFs are a good way to invest in a diverse array of municipal bonds. Like mutual funds, income is exempt from federal taxes and some interest earned may also be tax exempt at the state and local level, depending on where you live. ETFs trade like stocks on the market with prices fluctuating throughout the day, so you may experience more volatility with an ETF than a mutual fund. Like mutual funds, you'll be subject to capital gains tax when you sell your shares.</li></ul>Whatever investment you choose, be sure to pay attention to the account you are using to purchase muni bonds. You likely don't want them as part of your tax-deferred retirement accounts such as traditional IRAs or 401(k)s where you won't get the full force of the tax exemptions. Better to put them in a taxable brokerage account. <h2>The financial takeaway</h2>Municipal bonds can offer a relatively safe, tax-advantaged way to diversify your fixed-income portfolio. While yields may not be as high as taxable bonds, the tax exemptions on interest earned can help even the playing field. Investors in high-tax brackets looking to diversify their taxable investment accounts may be best suited to municipal bond investing.<a data-type="5fb6cfaa0210777d8c6d3139">A zero-coupon bond is a discounted investment that can help you save for a specific future goal</a><a data-type="5f8df19abe509c38e610952b">Bonds vs. CDs: The key differences and how to decide which income-producing option is better for you</a><a data-type="5f9b41ee51467239b420b67c">A corporate bond provides companies with cash and investors with income - here's how to evaluate the risks and rewards</a><a data-type="5f74bdeb851d5a30e02f40df">What are junk bonds? A risky yet high-yield investment that can bring rewards if you're willing to take the chance</a>

What is a municipal bond? How to earn tax-free income by investing in projects that impact your community

The price wars are far from over in the Indian telecom industry. In a bid to appease the corporate, SME and high-value subscribers, Reliance Communications (RCOM) had today launched a new offer by the name of One India, One Rate. This offer will be available to both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers. 
 
To the post-paid customers, there are two plans to be offered — 'One India, One Rate 350' and 'One India, One Rate 599'. 
 
In the 'One India, One Rate 350' plan, the subscriber will get 700 mins of free outgoing calls (Roaming, STD, Local) and 200 free incoming national roaming mins. Subsequently, the users will be charged for Roaming, STD &amp; Local at 40 paise/minute. Users opting for this pack will also get 1GB of free data and 100 SMSes. 
 
On the other hand, the 'One India, One Rate 599' plan users will be entitled to 1,200 minutes of free outgoing calls (roaming, STD, local) and free unlimited national incoming roaming. Post this, the roaming, STD and local outgoing calls will be charged at 30 paise/minute for roaming, STD and local. Under this pack, users also get 2GB of data and 100 SMSes free. 
 
Coming on the pre-paid plan, users will have to shell out Rs 45 per month to get free incoming calls while roaming and the outgoing calls will be charged at 40 paise/minute. 
 
 
 
“We are delighted to launch the One India, One Rate Plans in the country, which abolish differentiated tariffs for roaming, STD and local calls in India. When business has no boundaries, then tariffs should also be seamless and customer-friendly—thus, incoming calls while roaming will now be free on the RCOM network,” said Gurdeep Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Business, Reliance Communications Limited. 
 
Lead Photo By: Indiatimes.com

RCOM Introduces 'One India, One Rate' Roaming Plan

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="2379" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="California">California</keyword> passed the nation's first free <keyword id="1321723" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="school-lunch">school lunch</keyword> program for every student regardless of income.</li><li>This $54 million investment would cover lunches for the next school year, impacting 6.2 million students.</li><li>Lawmakers are pushing for universal <keyword id="10163364" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="free-school-meals">free school meals</keyword> nationwide to fight childhood hunger.</li></ul>Giving every student the option to eat lunch for free is the latest way California is choosing to make use of its significant budget surplus.In the beginning of July, California Gov. <keyword id="173696" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Gavin-Newsom">Gavin Newsom</keyword> launched the Universal School Meals Program, which invests $54 million to give 6.2 million public school students in the state a free school lunch for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, along with $650 million in state meal reimbursements for 2022-2023 to cover the costs of offering breakfast and lunch for all students.This is the nation's first free school lunch program, and eligibility for the program is not limited to household income."Focusing on student mental health and wellness and critical supports like universal school meals and community schools that provide wraparound programs for families will be essential for facilitating a safe return to in-person learning for the students who have suffered so much during the pandemic," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony said in a statement on Friday.Before the pandemic, a family of four had to make less than $34,000 a year to qualify for free school lunch, and $48,000 to qualify for reduced-price meals. With those caps, over <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/california-launches-largest-free-school-lunch-program-in-u-s">3.6 million students</a> qualified for free lunch, but it didn't necessarily take into account the high cost of living in California.Insider previously <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-stimulus-direct-payments-budget-surplus-gavin-newsom-economic-recovery-2021-5">reported</a> that California had an unexpected $75 billion budget surplus, much of which came from income tax revenue. Newsom has been using that money to establish a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-governor-signed-bill-dedicating-billion-to-homelessness-2021-7">universal basic income program</a> prioritized toward pregnant people and those aging out of the foster system, along with a record <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-governor-signed-bill-dedicating-billion-to-homelessness-2021-7">$12 billion investment</a> to combat homelessness, among other things.The idea of universal school meals is something lawmakers have been pushing for nationwide. Several cities, like Chicago and Boston, already offer universal school meals, and in May, Sens. <keyword id="6656369" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bernie-Sanders">Bernie Sanders</keyword> of Vermont and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, as well as Reps. <keyword id="4038189" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Ilhan-Omar">Ilhan Omar</keyword> of Minnesota and Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universal-school-meals-bernie-sanders-ilhan-omar-free-lunch-hunger-2021-5">introduced</a> the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021, which would permanently provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to all school children, regardless of income, while eliminating school meal debt."In the richest country in the world, it is an outrage that millions of children struggle with hunger every day," Sanders said in a <a href="https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-omar-gillibrand-and-moore-seek-to-expand-and-make-permanent-universal-school-meals/">statement</a>. "Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. What we've seen during this pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works. We cannot go backwards."

Free school lunch is now an option for 6.2 million students in California, regardless of income

New Delhi, Mar 31 () Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio on Tuesday offered its users 100 minutes of free talktime and 100 free SMS till April 17, 10-times more than its rival have offered as help to the distressed during nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.All JioPhone users will continue to receive incoming calls post validity of their pre-paid vouchers in recognition of the difficulty some users may face in recharging.In a tweet, the company said: "10x benefits to JioPhone users when it's needed the most - 100 minutes of calls &amp; 100 sms complimentary".JioPhone users will continue to receive income calls post validity, it said with tag line 'With love, from Jio'.With sources of livelihood shut, thousands of migrant workers fleeing cities for their hometowns soon after the unprecedented 21-day lockdown a week back to contain the spread of coronavirus.Migrant daily wagers have been left with no source of livelihood as the lockdown shut businesses barring those classified essential services.Mobile phone service provides have come to the aid of such by offering extended validity of recharge vouchers, that would allow free incoming calls to continue through the lockdown, as well as some free talktime.Bharti Airtel on Monday announced an extension of the validity period of more than 8 crore pre-paid connections until April 17 and a credit of Rs 10 in talk time. For a Rs 45 recharge voucher, the Rs 10 talktime translated into just over 6 minutes of calling at the standard tariff of Rs 1.5 per minute.Vodafone Idea Ltd too on Tuesday offered a matching benefit but only to low-income feature phone users only.Jio has a substantially high percentage of users that recharge online but those who did through physical retail stores had faced issues due to the current lockdown.For such subscribers, Jio has provided alternative channels to recharge, such as UPI, ATM, SMS, Call, etc, it said.Jio said it is going the extra mile for its JioPhone users and is providing 100 minutes of calls and 100 SMS free, anywhere in the country, till 17th April 2020. MBI ANZ BAL

Jio offers 100 minutes of free Talktime, 100 free SMS to help poor in lockdown

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Bonds and bond funds generate two types of income: interest and capital gains.</li><li>Interest income from a bond may be taxable or tax-exempt, depending on the type of bond.</li></ul>Like most investments, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bond</a> can earn investors money in two ways: through <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-fixed-income-investing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fixed</a> interest payments when an investor holds onto it over a period of time — or by selling it at a higher price than when they first bought it. Unfortunately, like most investments, bonds are also subject to capital gains taxes.<h2>How bonds are taxed</h2>Bonds generate two different types of income: interest and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-are-capital-gains" target="_blank" rel="noopener">capital gains</a>. <h3>Interest</h3>Bonds are a type of debt security. When you buy a bond, you're loaning money to the government or company that issued it. That entity can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leverage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leverage</a> that money to bolster returns and pays you back in the form of periodic interest payments and a return of principal once the bond matures. Most bonds pay a fixed, predetermined rate of interest over their lifespan usually in semiannual or annual intervals. That interest income may be taxable or tax-free (more on the types of bonds that generate tax-free income later). For the most part, if the interest is taxable, you pay income taxes on that interest in the year it's received. The rate you'll pay on bond interest is the same rate you pay on your ordinary income, such as wages or income from self-employment. If, for example, you're in the 37% tax bracket, you'll pay a 37% federal income tax rate on your bond interest.Here's an overview of the 2022 and 2021 tax brackets. <h3 style="text-align: left;">Capital gains </h3>If you buy a bond when it's first issued and hold it until maturity — the full length of its lifespan — you generally won't recognize a capital gain or loss. The money you get back is considered a return of your principal — what you originally invested in it.However, after they're issued, bonds often trade on financial exchanges, just like stocks. If you sell them before their maturity date <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-otc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the secondary market</a>, the bonds can generate capital gains and losses, depending on how its current price compares to your original cost. Bond funds can also generate capital gains and losses as the fund manager buys and sells securities within the fund.So, the profit you make from selling a bond is considered a capital gain. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/capital-gains-tax-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Capital gains</a> are taxed at different rates depending on whether they're short-term or long-term.Short-term capital gains apply if you hold the bond for one year (365 days) or less. Then the gain is taxed at your ordinary income tax rates.Long-term capital gains apply if you hold the bond for more than one year. Then you can benefit from reduced<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/capital-gains-tax-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> tax rates</a>, ranging from 0% to 20%, depending on your filing status and total taxable income for the year.Note: The IRS lets single filers and married couples filing jointly to deduct up to $3,000 in realized investment losses from their income tax annually. Leftover losses can be rolled to next year or be deducted from capital gains.<h3 class="faq-question" style="text-align: left;">Are all bonds taxed?</h3>Bonds are divided into two classes: taxable and tax-exempt. A bond's tax-exempt status applies only to the bond's interest income. Any capital gains generated from selling a bond or bond fund before its maturity date is taxable, regardless of the type of bond. <h3>Taxable bonds</h3>The interest income from taxable bonds is subject to federal, state (and local, if applicable) income taxes. Though interest on these bonds is taxable, they often offer higher returns — albeit at a higher risk.Taxable bonds include:<ul><li>Corporate bonds</li><li>Mortgage-backed securities</li><li>Global bond funds</li><li>Diversified bond funds</li></ul>Note: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/savings-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Savings bonds</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/treasury-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treasury bonds</a> are subject to federal income tax. However, they are generally free from state and local income taxes. <h3 class="faq-question">Are <keyword id="6638444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="municipal-bonds" source="Orion">municipal bonds</keyword> tax-free?</h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/municipal-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Municipal bonds</a>, also known as munis, are the main type of tax-exempt bonds. Munis are issued by states, counties, cities, and other government agencies to fund major capital projects, such as building schools, hospitals, highways, and other public buildings.Any interest income from <keyword id="1744957" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Muni-Bonds" source="Orion">muni bonds</keyword> is generally not subject to federal income tax. It can also be exempt from state or local income taxes if your home state or city issues the bond. Interest income from muni bonds issued by another state or city is taxable on your state or local income tax return. Note: Muni bonds exempt from federal, state, and local taxes are known as "triple tax exempt."<h3>Zero-coupon bonds</h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-zero-coupon-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zero-coupon bonds</a> are a special case. You might have to pay tax on their interest income — even though you don't actually receive any interest. With a zero-coupon bond, you buy the bond at a discount from its face value, don't receive interest payments during the bond's term, and are paid the bond's face amount when it matures. For example, you might pay $3,000 to buy a 20-year zero-coupon bond with a face value of $10,000. After 20 years, the issuer pays you $10,000. The difference between the amount you pay for a zero-coupon bond and the face amount you receive later is considered "imputed interest."That interest may be taxable or tax-exempt, depending on whether the bond was issued by the US Treasury (the most common type), a corporation, or a state or local government agency.If the interest is taxable, the IRS treats the prorated imputed interest as if it were paid annually, even though you don't actually receive any interest payments. This results in paying tax on "phantom income" each year.<h2 class="faq-question">How can I avoid paying <keyword id="10754061" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="taxes-on-bonds" source="Orion">taxes on bonds</keyword>?</h2>Here are a few strategies for avoiding – or at least reducing – the taxes you pay on bonds.<ul class="faq-answer"><li>Hold the bond in a tax-advantaged account. When you invest in bonds within a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-roth-ira" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roth IRA</a> or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-roth-401k" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roth 401(k)</a>, the returns are tax-free, as long as you follow the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/roth-ira-withdrawal-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawal rules</a>. Bond income and profits from sales earned within a traditional IRA or 401(k) are tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes until you withdraw the money in retirement.</li><li>Use savings bonds for educational purposes. Consider using Series EE or Series I savings bonds to save for education. When you redeem the bond, the interest paid is tax-exempt as long as you use the money to pay for qualified higher education expenses and meet <a href="https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/planning/plan_education.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other qualifications</a>. </li><li>Hold bonds until maturity. Holding a bond until maturity, instead of selling it early on the secondary market can help you avoid paying taxes on capital gains. However, you still owe tax on any taxable interest generated by the bond while you owned it.</li></ul>Minimizing the tax consequences of bonds comes down to investing in tax-exempt bonds, such as muni bonds and US Treasuries, and using tax-advantaged accounts where your money can grow on a tax-free or tax-deferred basis.If you invest in bonds outside of tax-advantaged accounts, you'll receive a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/what-is-1099" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form 1099</a> from the bank or brokerage holding your investments around January 31 of each year. Hold on to these forms, as you'll need them to report bond interest and capital gains on your tax return. The IRS also gets a copy of those 1099s. If you miss reporting any income, they'll be sure to let you know.

Bonds can be taxable or tax-free &mdash; here's your guide to the different types and calculating what's due on them

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Roth 401(k) is a type of <keyword id="11909870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="retirement" source="Orion">retirement</keyword> account offered by employers.</li><li>It combines elements of a traditional 401(k) and a Roth IRA.</li><li>Contributions are made after taxes, and post-retirement withdrawals are tax-free.</li></ul>A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-401k" target="_blank" rel="noopener">401(k)</a> is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows you to invest your income and grow it over time. There are two types: the traditional 401(k), which is funded with pre-tax earnings, and the Roth 401(k).You fund Roth 401(k)s with money you've already paid income taxes on. This allows you to withdraw funds from the account tax-free in retirement. "A Roth 401(k) is an excellent option for anyone who wants to create a tax-free retirement income source," says Matthew Stratman, lead financial advisor at <a href="https://southbayplanning.com/high-income-roth-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Bay Planning Group.</a><h2>How does a Roth 401(k) work? </h2>The Roth 401(k) has been around since 2006 and is designed as a hybrid of the traditional 401(k) and the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-roth-ira" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roth IRA</a>.Like a traditional 401(k), a Roth 401(k) is employer sponsored. An employer establishes the plan, chooses the investment options, and then offers the plan to individual workers. The main difference between the two types is how the tax advantages work. A Roth 401(k) can be beneficial if you expect your tax bracket to be higher in retirement.There are exceptions, of course. In order to withdraw funds tax-free, you'll need to be at least 59 ½, and you must have had the account for five years or more. This rule applies to all Roth accounts. There are also rules regarding contributions. For 2021, you can contribute as much as $19,500 per year, plus an additional $6,500 if you're 50 or older.Quick tip: With a Roth 401(k), you're required to start taking distributions from your plan by age 72. If you want to avoid these minimum distributions, a Roth IRA may be a better fit.<h2>What are the benefits of a Roth 401(k)? </h2>The big benefit of a Roth 401(k) is that it allows you to take tax-free withdrawals in retirement. If tax rates rise or your tax bracket is higher by that time, this could mean significant savings in the long run."Many individuals with pensions, a sizable investment portfolio, or a side job may find that their income continues to rise even after they retire from their 9-to-5," Stratman says. "Taxes may soon be rising, so a Roth could be a great way to take advantage of today's low tax rates and withdraw in the future tax-free."Another advantage is that your money grows tax-free, too. Since a Roth 401(k) is funded with post-tax dollars, you won't pay any taxes upon withdrawal — even on the money earned through investing. "It can be significant — especially if you factor in the compounded growth that's likely to have happened," says Maggie Gomez, a certified financial planner and founder of <a href="https://moneywithmaggie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Money with Maggie</a>. "In a sense, all of that growth is free money that's not taxed."<h2>Roth 401(k) vs. traditional 401(k) </h2>Since the major difference between a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k) is when the money is taxed, the main consideration when choosing between the two is your current tax bracket and where you expect it to be down the line. With the Roth 401(k), you pay taxes on the money before putting it in the account. With a traditional 401(k), your contributions reduce your taxable income for that year, and you pay taxes on withdrawals later in life. "Early in your career, your salary is likely lower, meaning your tax rate is also lower," says Phil Weiss, principal at <a href="https://apprisewealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apprise Wealth Management</a>. "As you work longer and your income grows, your tax rate will likely increase. That makes the tax deferral that comes with contributing to a traditional 401k potentially more valuable."<h3>Here's how the two retirement accounts measure up:</h3><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 59.6104%;">Roth 401(k)</td><td style="width: 40.2597%;">Traditional 401(k)</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 59.6104%;"><ul><li>Employer-sponsored</li><li>Funded with post-tax dollars</li><li>Withdrawals not taxed</li><li>Can start withdrawing at age 59 ½ </li><li>Must have had the account opened at least five years before making withdrawals </li><li>Required minimum distributions starting at age 72</li></ul></td><td style="width: 40.2597%;"><ul><li>Employer-sponsored</li><li>Funded with pre-tax dollars</li><li>Withdrawals subject to income tax</li><li>Can start withdrawing at age 59 ½ </li><li>Required minimum distributions starting at age 72</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>Quick tip: You may not have to pick one or the other. Some plans allow you to have both types of accounts. Just keep in mind the annual contribution limit is $19,500 total. (So, if you put $10,000 in your traditional 401(k), you could only contribute $9,500 to your Roth).<h2>The financial takeaway</h2>Roth 401(k)s come with a major tax advantage, particularly if you expect your tax bracket to increase by retirement. They also allow your money to grow tax-free. If your employer offers a Roth 401(k) option, think carefully about your career trajectory and financial goals before deciding whether to open one. In some cases, you may be able to have both a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k) simultaneously. Be sure to ask your tax advisor or a financial planner if you need more personalized guidance.

Roth 401(k): An investment option that can help you create a tax-free income stream in retirement

Justin Sullivan / Getty ImagesNew York State's Excelsior Scholarship offers free tuition to families making up to $125,000 a year.The recent passage of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-new-york-lawmakers-approve-free-middle-class-college-tuition-2017-4">New York State's Excelsior Scholarship</a> - the first program in New York to offer free tuition at public colleges and universities - has been heralded as a model for other states to follow.The program offers free tuition to families making up to $125,000 a year.Many European countries, like Germany, already offer free college, and they do so for all students regardless of family income level.But "free" is a relative term since <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32821678">tax payers absorb that cost.</a>European countries often differ greatly from the US in substantive ways. Their college enrollment percentages, for example, are much lower than in America.Europe also traditionally has higher taxes than the US, which allows those countries to offer additional social services.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its <a href="http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/taxation/taxing-wages-2017_tax_wages-2017-en#page18">2017 report on the tax burden</a> on earnings among member countries.Their report ranks countries by their tax wedge percentage. The tax wedge is the dollar measure of the income tax rate. The countries below with the red arrows offer free college, with the exception of the US. There are other European countries that offer free college, but the countries below are the most well-known examples.OECDWhile the tax wedge is certainly not driven solely by free-college tuition costs, the countries that offer this benefit have much higher income tax rates than the US. If the US were to go the route of European countries that finance free college by taxing the income of citizens, the tax wedge of 31.7% would likely increase.Germany, with particularly high income taxes, has one of the most <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32821678">inclusive debt-free college programs,</a> offering free college to foreign students as well. In New York, the state will need to increase spending on higher education to fund the program, which it estimates will cost about $160 million the first year. <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-college-system-trouble-loans-debt-2015-5">Mark Cuban has a brilliant strategy to get the best college degree for less money</a></h3> Please enable Javascript to watch this video

'Free' college in Europe isn't really free

<ul><li>The government is set to offer <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">farmers</keyword> a series of cheap funding options as well as income support in its interim <keyword id="6358021" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget">budget</keyword>. </li><li>The plan involves interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹300,000 and a direct cash transfers to smallholder farmers. </li><li>The BJP’s potential decision to forgo further loan waivers comes as it stares at a huge fiscal deficit. </li><li>If the government breaches its spending targets, it could scare foreign investors away, hurt debt and equity markets and lead to depreciation of the rupee. </li></ul>The <keyword id="6354642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi">Modi</keyword> administration is likely to woo Indian farmers with interest-free loans and cash handouts. It is set to forgo plans for loan waivers and instead offer farmers a series of funding options and income support as part of its upcoming interim Budget set to be unveiled on February 1, according <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/farmers-package-in-the-works-income-support-scheme-and-interest-free-loans-5538536/">to media reports.</a> The plan, which is said to be the joint effort of the Ministry of Agriculture and government think thank Niti Aayog, involves interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹300,000. It also includes income support in the form of a cash transfer in bi-annual instalments to smallholder farmers. The move comes as a surprise. In the weeks and months since the Congress party’s victory over Modi’s <keyword id="58687" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Janata-Party">Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword> in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/here-are-some-reasons-why-indias-ruling-party-lost-to-its-main-rival-in-three-very-important-state-elections/articleshow/67057122.cms">three crucial state elections</a>, it had been widely speculated that the latter would offer a series of loan waivers to farmers in its interim budget in order to curry favour before general elections. After all, the Congress’s victory was attributed to its promise of debt relief to farmers in these states. The BJP’s potential decision to forgo further loan waivers makes fiscal sense. It is staring at a huge fiscal deficit, and if it breaches its spending targets, it could scare foreign investors away, hurt debt and equity markets and lead to depreciation of the rupee. While a <keyword id="56684" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="loan-waiver">loan waiver</keyword> can secure votes from farmers, it’s the banks, taxpayers and future governments that are on the hook for the unrecoverable debts. The waiver will eventually lead to a buildup in banks’ bad loans and shortage in funds for the purpose of extending further loans. The move echoes the views of Shaktikanta Das, the new governor of the Reserve Bank of India, who said last week that loan waivers <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/generalised-farm-loan-waiver-impacts-credit-culture-says-rbi-governor/articleshow/67420012.cms">would have a negative effect</a> on the country’s credit culture. If loan waivers are handed out so regularly, it is argued that it may disincentivise farmers from making payments on their loans. More importantly, smallholder farmers aren’t covered by loan waiver schemes since they can’t offer collateral to formal lending institutions like their largeholder counterparts. That means in devising a funding plan and income support for farmers, the government will prevent them from having to secure high-interest rate loans from moneylenders. It remains to be seen how the central government will finance the direct transfer, but the burden will likely be shared with state governments and involve the reallocation of funds from other agriculture schemes. On the other hand, if banks are against the idea of extending interest-free loans, the government will also be required to plug the interest gap. However, all things considered, it makes considerably more sense than a blanket loan waiver, which only provides short-term relief and does nothing to correct the longer-term problems of the agriculture sector. Income support and cheap funding to farmers will keep rural demand and investment afloat and by extension, directly support economic growth. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politically-driven-financially-unsound-the-loan-waivers-offered-by-indias-political-parties-will-only-serve-to-worsen-the-countrys-bad-loan-crisis/articleshow/67190737.cms">Politically driven, financially unsound: The loan waivers offered by India’s political parties will only serve to worsen the country’s bad loan crisis</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/here-are-some-reasons-why-indias-ruling-party-lost-to-its-main-rival-in-three-very-important-state-elections/articleshow/67057122.cms">Here are some reasons why India’s ruling party lost to its main rival in three very important state elections</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thousands-of-farmers-are-challenging-indias-refinery-project-with-saudi-aramco/articleshow/64222755.cms">Thousands of farmers are challenging India’s refinery project with Saudi Aramco</a>

You Searched For "free incoming" and got 12 results

BSNL to offer free incoming calls on roaming from June 15

BI India Bureau

With Idea making incoming calls free, national roaming will soon be a matter of past

BI India Bureau

France is considering making 2017 a year free of income tax

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Free school lunch is now an option for 6.2 million students in California, regardless of income

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Jio offers 100 minutes of free Talktime, 100 free SMS to help poor in lockdown

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Bonds can be taxable or tax-free here's your guide to the different types and calculating what's due on them

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Roth 401(k): An investment option that can help you create a tax-free income stream in retirement

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'Free' college in Europe isn't really free

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Interest-free loans and income support— the upcoming Budget may be a song for India’s farmers

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