Difference Between NRO and NRE Account

NRIs managing income earned in India and abroad may benefit from having two different types of bank accounts in India, an NRO and NRE account.

Read more: http://bloggersites.co/difference-between-nro-and-nre-account/

How To Be Fit And Healthy In Just $10!!!

Staying fit and eating healthy sure is a lot of work for a person. You have to be consistent and dedicated but it does not mean that it should cost you an arm and a leg. Health books are very helpful in turning your lifestyle around. They are informative, appealing to read and helpful in keeping you on track. But if you have a family of 10 on a budget, buying these health books and following their meal plans is not just a piece of cake.
So here are some of the best books on health and nutrition just under 10$ so you can easily follow a healthy lifestyle that is economical as well. Sounds cool? So here you go:

Perfect Health in Twenty weeks

The all-time best-selling health book “Perfect Health in twenty Weeks” (only $3.50) by Amar Chandel is a manual to achieve perfect health in a mere 20 weeks. The book teaches you how to improve your health week-by-week. It covers all dimensions of health which includes food, water, breathing, physical movement, rest, sleep, stress management, attitude and outlook towards life.
We never fall sick; we invite illness by not following the principles of Holistic Living on which the human body functions. This “defiance” is not deliberate but because there is a lack of awareness about how a human body functions and heals itself naturally. This book is a formula to reverse the age and become your fittest self. It doesn’t bombard you with unattainable goals, on the contrary, it tells you what the right thing is, why it is necessary and how to implement it.
It also educates you on the miraculous body we all are gifted with. To get the maximum out of this health book read and implement each chapter a week. By the end of the twentieth week, you will be an all new being. I will advise you to apply the same religiously for at least six months to get best results afterwards you can be moderate, and by the time you will be knowing yourself where you can cheat and how to revive.
The author has written two more books Cure Yourself Naturally (Cost $2 Kindle Edition) and Stress to Serenity.
The book Cure Yourself Naturally advance version that employs all natural remedies, healing methods, alternative medicines and alternative therapies and to get full benefits from vegan food and healthy diet for weight loss and disease-free living. It guides you on how to turn your everyday food into natural supplements.

10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse

The New York Times bestselling 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse will kickstart your weight loss, intensify your metabolism, clear your mind, and improve your overall mental and physical health. Made up of nutrients and antioxidants from leafy greens and fruits, green smoothies are satisfying and healthy and guess what? they taste good too! Your body will literally thank you for drinking them as your health and energy improvements to levels you never thought possible. So now goodbye to those nasty unseasoned kale salads and bland spinach in your food. It’s time to “smooth-up” with this best natural health book. This book provides a shopping list, recipes, and detailed instructions for the 10-day cleanse, along with suggestions for getting the best results. It also offers advice on how to continue to lose weight and maintain good health afterwards.

Over the Counter Natural Cures, Expanded Edition: Take Charge of Your Health in 30 Days with 10 Lifesaving Supplements for under $10

Shane Ellison is known as The People's Chemist by his thousands of readers. A former chemist for Big Pharma, he quit when he realized that the drugs he was creating for drug companies were nothing but toxins and that the real cures could be found on every supermarket and superstore shelf―for a fraction of the cost and without a prescription! Over-the-Counter Natural Cures is your ultimate guide to the inexpensive, easy ways to dramatically boost your health in less than 30 days. It backs up with science, references, and a ton of eye-opening information everyone should know. It can help you stay fit, without bouncing back!

Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats

Based on over 2 decades of research, Eat Fat, Lose Fat defies conventional wisdom by revealing that vegetable oils (such as corn and soybean) are in large part accountable for our national obesity and health crisis. On the other hand, healthy fats such as those found in coconut oil may actually be the secret to long-term wellness. Filled with delicious coconut oil-based recipes, this health and nutrition book offers three programs that help you get started eating healthy fats to lose weight and achieve good health for a lifetime.

Tips for NRIs to monitor their Indian property

We know that NRIs have the legal right to buy commercial as well as residential Indian property. There is no any limit to the property they can buy. But, they can’t purchase agricultural land or farmhouses or even plantations – neither can they accept be gifted these. But they can acquire the latter in inheritance.

Property Inheritance:

An expat with an Indian passport is not allowed to invest in any immovable property. But, a relative or friend gifts to it, he can take its ownership. Moreover, he doesn’t need to pay tax as a gifted property is exempt from it. The word ‘relative’ (who can gift the property) includes:

• ·         Spouse
• ·         Brother/Sister
• ·         Brother/ Sister of the spouse
• ·         A lineal descendant or ascendant
• ·         A lineal descendant or ascendant of the spouse
• ·         But, you have to take care of that immovable property by self.

Top things to manage and protect your Indian property:

Bear in your mind that it’s going to be a difficult battle if you sue from overseas. You can’t visit on every trial. What you can do to protect and manage your property:

• Never rely on the third party to take care of your property. Take charge and stay on top of the situation from wherever you are.
• Engrave a nameplate.
• Go for legal documentation, even if it’s inherited. You must transfer all documents in your name.
• Pay taxes to the Municipal Corporation and other authorities. Pay through cheques.
• Keep photocopies of those cheques and documents in a safe place.
• Don’t empower your attorney with unlimited authority.
• Specify which kind of authority you’ve provided to him. Be it for maintenance and protection of Indian property, mention it subtly.
• Don’t provide the authority to sell that property. Neither should you give the power to agree to oversell that asset.
• Always make legal agreements with the people whom you are handing over the property possession then whether they are tenants or caretakers

What protections can you take?

It is crucial that all NRIs have their documents in the correct order. This would involve the title deeds, mutations, Will documents etc. Keep all documents of your Indian property, cheques of tax and their photocopies in a safe place. Also, the purchase documents of the property and land are required too -along with all bills paid. Even if there is a necessity for a Power of Attorney one has to be sure of making one with all due precautions and safety nets. It always benefits to take the help of a property lawyer or legal service expert.

Benefits of having Indian Property for non-residents:

Loan against rental income:

The non-residents Indian can apply for 5-year loan upfront against the rental income. Or, they can deposit the paper of the real-estate as a security with the bank. In return, the bank would give them short-term funds in India. Apart from banks, the housing companies do play the same role. Hence, you would have a golden opportunity to get a loan.

Repatriation up to $1 million:

If you use your property in India for generating rental income, you can repatriate that amount.  But, that repatriation would be possible after three-year lock-in period. The lock-in period is the predetermined time.

If it’s generated from an inherited property, you can repatriate up to $1 million in a financial year. There is no lock-in period for this. You don’t need to pay tax. But, you have to present the documents and certificates attested by the chartered accountant (CA).

Women Rights: 10 laws that protect women and their rights

Remember, knowledge is power. As a parent, wife, daughter, employee, and a woman, these are rights that protect you, and it is important that you are aware of them.

Here are 10 laws that women should know:

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

According to the International Research Center for Women, nearly 47 percent of girls are married before the age of 18. India currently ranks 13th in the world of child marriages. Since child marriage has penetrated Indian culture and tradition for centuries, it has been difficult to eradicate.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act came into force in 2007. This law defines child marriage as a marriage in which the groom or bride is a minor, i.e. the bride is under 18 years of age or the boy is under 21 years of age.

Parents who try to marry minor girls are subject to action under this law. Because the law makes these marriages illegal, it acts as a great deterrent.

Special Marriage Act, 1954

The goal of this law is to provide: - a special form of marriage in certain cases, allow the registration of certain marriages and ensure divorce. In the country like India, and with the different religions and the cast, when people of different faiths and caste decide to marry, they do it under the Special Marriage Act.

It does not apply to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and extends to intending spouses who are Indian nationals and living abroad.

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

According to this act, the taking or giving of the dowry at the time of the wedding to the bride or groom and their family is to be penalized. Dowry system, give and take of dowry is a norm in India. Dowry is usually demanded of the bride and her family by the groom and his family. The system has strong roots because women after marriage move in with their spouse and parents-in-law. Over the centuries, too, the lack of women's economic independence and the taboo of divorce has led to the bride burning. When demands for dowry even after marriage are not met by the girl's families, many women are tortured, beaten and even burned.

It is one of the great challenges facing our society. Women who complain about it have helped spread the word and encourage other women to take a stand.

Indian Divorce Act, 1969

The Indian Divorce Act allows the dissolution of the marriage, the mutual consent, the nullity of the marriage, the judicial separation and the restitution of marital rights.

Family courts are established to file, hear and dispose of such cases.

Maternity Benefit Act, 1861

This law regulates the employment of women and maternity benefits mandated by law. It states that a woman employee who has worked for at least 80 days in an organization in the last 12 months before the day of her expected delivery is entitled to maternity benefits, including maternity leave, nursing breaks, medical benefit, etc.

Medical Termination of the Pregnancy Act, 1971

The law came into force in 1972 and was amended in 1975 and 2002. The law aims to reduce the occurrence of illegal abortions and the resulting maternal mortality and morbidity.

It clearly defines the conditions under which pregnancy can be terminated or stopped and identifies those who are qualified to perform the pregnancy.

Sexual Harassment of Women in the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Reparation) Act, 2013

To ensure the safety of women in the workplace, this law aims to protect them from sexual harassment in the workplace. Thirty-six percent of Indian companies and 25 percent of MNC's are not violating the Sexual Harassment Act, according to FICCI-EY November 2015 report.

Sexual harassment in the workplace also includes - the use of language with sexual overtones, intrusion into the private space with a male colleague who hovers too close for comfort, subtle touches and innuendoes.

Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act, 1986

This law prohibits the indecent representation of women through advertising or in publications, writings, paintings, figures or otherwise.

Law on the National Commission on the Status of Women, 1990

The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body of the Government of India, founded in January 1992. Lalitha Kumaramangalam was selected its Chairperson in 2014.

The NCW describes the rights of women in India and gives their concerns a voice. The National Commission for Women Act aims to improve women's status and worked for their economic empowerment.

Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

This law prevents discrimination in terms of remuneration. It provides for the payment of equal pay for men and women workers.

Dual Citizenship India?

The constitution of India does not allow Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country at the same time. India does not offer dual citizenship. Many non-resident Indians were left with the impression during the last two years that the government of India had decided to grant dual citizenship. Instead of Dual-citizenship, India offers a lifelong visa and has cleverly called it Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Many Indians are confusing this with dual citizenship.

Those applicants who are granted OCI receive a lifelong multiple entry visa stamp on their foreign passports and a registration booklet that looks like a passport but cannot be used as a travel document. Holders of OCI must travel using their foreign passports.

Benefits allowed to OCI:

• Multi-purpose, multiple entries, lifelong visa for visiting India.

• Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

• Parity with NRIs in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.

• Parity with non-resident Indians on inter-country adoption

• Parity with resident Indian nationals in domestic airfares

• Parity with Indian nationals in entry fees for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

• Pursuing professions in India in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant act. Professions such as: Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Advocates, Architects, Chartered Accountants

Those who get OCI should realize that:

1. They do not get an Indian passport. The passport type of document issued to OCI recipients is NOT a valid passport and cannot be used for travel.

2. Have no right to vote in India.

3. Cannot run for political office.

4. Cannot be appointed as a high court/supreme court judge.

Purchase of Agricultural land in India:

Another myth is that OCI holders can buy agricultural land. OCI holders simply by getting OCI are not entitled to purchase agricultural land in India. OCI holders, permanently living in India also come under the same rules as other residents. Many people are not aware that in some Indian States, even Indian citizens cannot buy agricultural land unless they qualify themselves as farmers or go through several other formalities.

Many Indians do end up buying agricultural lands by getting the land use changed. This is quite common for agricultural lands that are on main roads or near roads. As construction spreads to the outer areas of cities, the price of agricultural land bordering roads is shooting up, especially if the land use can be successfully changed from agricultural to commercial.

The main benefit of OCI is a lifelong visa. Holders of OCI also are exempt from registering with the police regardless of the duration of stay in India.

VOTING RIGHTS FOR NRIS ?

Some news reports indicate that the government of India is presently considering allowing Non Resident Indians to vote. This has led many residents of Indian descent, who are presently settled abroad to think that one day they may be allowed to vote in India.

Some former Indian citizens who are presently settled abroad and have acquired citizenships of the countries they are living in, have a misconception that they are still non-resident Indians. Some of these people still believe that they would still be classified as non resident Indians and perhaps allowed to vote if NRI’s getting voting rights in the future.  Those Indians who have taken foreign citizenship will not be eligible to vote as they would be considered as foreign citizens.

Update: NRIs residing abroad can now vote in Indian elections. They can register as voters at the nearest Indian consulate. Contact the Indian consulate serving your area of residence for more information.

Comparing OCI with PIO card.

Persons of Indian origin who have acquired foreign citizenship are eligible to apply for a PIO Card or an OCI card. The PIO card scheme was launched earlier than the OCI card scheme and those who already hold PIO cards, can opt to apply for OCI at a reduced fee. There are some minor differences in the eligibility, procedure, cost and the benefits/restrictions between OCI and PIO card.

Listed here are some of the differences between PIO and OCI so as to make it easier to compare PIO and OCI status.

PIO Card

Any person who at any time held an Indian Passport; or he or either of his parents or grand parents was born in orwas permanently resident in India as defined in Government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that becamepart of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; or who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin as mentioned above

Application Process

Eligible persons need to apply in the prescribed form along with enclosures. Form available on MHA’s website:www.mha.nic.in Applicant must download forms and send the documents to the Indian Mission/Post in the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident;

Application fees

Rs. 15,000/- or equivalent in local currency for adults.   For the children up to the age of 18 years, the fee  is Rs.7500/- or equivalent in local currency. ($365 for adult, $185 for child below 18 years of age)

Validity:      NOW Lifelong

OCI Card

A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws. Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI.  However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.

Application Process

Eligible persons abroad can apply on line by downloading the OCI application form from MHA’s  website:www.mha.nic.in. Applicant is in India, can apply to the FRRO at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkota, Amritsar, CHIO, Chennai or to the Under Secretary, OCI Cell, Citizenship Section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, NDCC-II Building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi- 110001

Application fees

$275 for US citizens ($295 for non-US citizens) for adult. $25 for PIO card holder if US citizen. ($45 for non-UScitizen PIO card holder

Validity:      Lifelong

PIO Benefits/Restrictions

(i)Shall not require a separate visa to visit India.
(ii) Will be exempt from the requirements of registration if his/her stay on any single visit in India does not exceed 180 days.
(iii) In the event of continuous stay in India exceeding 180 days, he/she shall have to get himself/herself registeredwithin 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned FRRO/FRO.
(iv) Parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities available to the later in the economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/ plantation properties.  No parity shall be allowed in the sphere of political rights

OCI Benefits/Restrictions

(i) A multiple entry multi-purpose life long visa for visiting India.
(ii)Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
(iii) Parity with Non resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. No parity is allowed in the sphere of political rights.  Any other benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Source: nriinformation.com