Why Do We Need Rent Receipts?

Feb 26,2020 / By Prahalad Singh / No Comment

Rent Receipts & Its Benefits:

A rent receipt is a record of the transaction of rent paid by a tenant to his/her landlord. A rent receipt is provided by the landlord upon collecting the rent from the tenant. It can be used for legal matters or tax benefits if you are eligible.

To claim House Rent Allowance (HRA), you are asked to submit important documents like rent receipts, rent agreement to your employer before the end of the financial year. If the amount of rent exceeds Rs 1 lakh/annum, the PAN No of the landlord is also required.

Are rent receipts required for every month?

It is not mandatory to submit rent receipts every month, but one must do it on a quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis.

Rent Receipts Sample:

What are the important points to note about the rent receipts?

Important points to note about the rent receipts:

The rent receipts for all the months for which you are claiming HRA is required to be submitted.

A revenue stamp is required to be affixed on rent receipts if cash payment is more than Rs. 5000/receipt. If rent is paid through cheque then revenue stamp is not needed.

If the annual rent paid exceeds Rs.1,00,000/year, it is compulsory to report PAN No of the landlord to claim HRA exemption. If the landlord refuses to give his/her PAN No, then you can’t claim HRA for the rent paid and your employer will deduct the TDS accordingly.

What is HRA?

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a part of the salary given by an employer to his employee for his rented accommodation. HRA exemption can be claimed only if the employee is living in a rented house.

What are the necessary documents required to claim HRA?

To claim HRA, you are asked to submit important documents like rent receipts, rent agreement to your employer before the end of the financial year. If the amount of rent exceeds Rs 1 lakh/annum, the PAN No of the landlord is also required. This will help you get exemption in your form-16 and you can avoid further troubles during your Income-tax return filing.

Why rent receipts are required by a salaried person?

This will help them get exemption in their form-16 and they can avoid further difficulties during their Income-tax return filing. In another word, a salaried person uses rent receipts to claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) benefits in total taxable salary.

Why do I need to take a rent receipt from my house owner?

It is an important document used as evidence of the transfer of rent to the house owner.

What are the necessary elements of a rent receipt?

Date of Payment
Rental Period
Tenant Name
Landlord Name
House Address (for which you are paying rent)
Signature of Landlord
PAN No of the Landlord (if annual rent exceeds Rs.1,00,000 in a year)
Revenue Stamp (if amount paid in cash more than Rs 5,000)

Is rent receipt mandatory for claiming HRA?

Yes, the rent receipt is a mandatory document to claim HRA. If an employee receives HRA in excess of Rs. 3000/month, it is necessary to present rent receipts to the employer for claiming HRA. Even if your HRA is less than Rs. 3000/month, try to keep rent receipts with you in case the officer asks for them at a later date.

Why should I need to submit rent receipts to the HR Department?

As per the Income Tax rule of India, every person who pays salary is required to deduct tax at source(TDS), deposit with the government and then pay the remaining amount to the employee. During this process, if any employee makes a tax saving investment then the person liable for deducting tax. He has to consider and give the benefit of that investment and then deduct the tax on the net amount.

Usually, it has been seen that people present fake rent receipts, even when they are not living in rented accommodation. So, to counter this, HR departments have begun asking for rent agreements for giving HRA benefits.

Is there any last date fixed for submitting rent proof to the employer?

Normally, every employer has its own last date or deadline by which all investment proofs documents must be submitted. Extra TDS will be deducted from your take-home salary if you miss the deadline. However, you can claim the extra TDS deduction directly from your income tax return.

Who can claim HRA exemption?

If you meet the following conditions, you can claim HRA tax exemption:

You should be a salaried person.
You must accept HRA as a part of your salary package/CTC.
You should live in rented accommodation.

Can I claim both home loan deduction and HRA?

Yes, If you are a homeowner and you are paying back your home loan, you can claim HRA if you live in a rented property. You are allowed to get both the benefits to reduce your taxable income.

What are the important points to check in your Rent Agreement?

Important points to check in your rental agreement are:-

Rent agreement should be on Rs 500 stamp paper or as per the stamp rate prevailing in your state.

It can be registered for 11 months only. For more than 12 months, the rent agreement is not registered instead lease deed is to be favored which requires registration.

Every year, the rent agreement is renewed after 11 months with the revised rent.
Both landlord and tenant are required to follow the notice period as mentioned in the agreement.

How payments of rent help us in saving tax?

There can be three circumstances when you are paying rent for your rented accommodation:-

When HRA is a part of your CTC & you submit the rent payment proof to your HR
When HRA is a part of your CTC & you forget to submit the rent payment proof to your HR
When HRA is not a part of your CTC

What to do when your landlord refuses to give his/her PAN No?

Landlord’s PAN is compulsory if the paid rent is more than Rs 1 lakh annually or Rs 8,300 monthly. If the landlord does not have PAN No, he has to give a declaration for the same.

If the total rent paid exceeds Rs 1 lakh annually, it is necessary to quote the landlord’s PAN No to claim an exemption. However, if your landlord refuses to give his PAN No, you can’t claim HRA and finally, your employer will deduct the TDS, accordingly.

Can I pay rent to my parents and claim HRA?

Yes, you can claim the HRA exemption by paying rent to your parents. But it is always advisable to have a rent agreement. You would need rent receipts to claim HRA exemption. Also, your parents need to show rental income from you in their income tax return.

Can HRA be claimed for paying rent for 2 houses?

This could only be possible when you live in both the houses in a specific year for proportionate months.

Can you claim the HRA deduction of a non-salary component?

Section 80GG enables taxpayers to claim a deduction in case you are not in receipt of HRA but still paying rent. A deduction is allowed in the following situation:

Rent paid minus 10% of adjusted total income

25% of the adjusted total income

Rs 2,000/month

Can HRA be claimed by both wife and husband?

Yes, because both are paying rent. But it will be better if your landlord issues two separate rent receipts or defines the proportion of rent paid by each person on the rent receipt.

Can I claim both HRA and a home loan?

If you have bought a house with the help of a home loan and live in another house on rent, you can claim tax benefit for both. But if the house you bought and the house you live in is in the same city and you should have a valid reason for not living in the house that you have, to prove to Income Tax Officer. The reason could be that the house you own is too far from your workplace, or traveling is very difficult during pick hours.

Can HRA be claimed if I own a house?

No, you can’t enjoy the tax benefits of HRA if you live in your own house.

What happens when I stay in a rented home for only a few months?

Yes, you can only claim the HRA exemption for the months you paid rent for.

I am planning to change my job this year. Can I share my old rent receipts with the new company?

In case your current employer allows HRA exemption from a previous job’s income, you might have to submit your old rent receipts. It is necessary to reveal the salary from your previous employment to your current employer in Form 12B.

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interior design trends Smart Residential Living Tips

New Home Design Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind, Not Your Wallet

Feb 26,2020 / By Commonfloor / No Comment

With a weekend or holidays coming up, there’s no better way to spend the leisure time than showing your old house some extra love and care to give it a brand new look. Though a bit of DIY may be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. With the minimum effort, these 5 DIY house hacks can help you have the most astounding results. Sounds good enough to be true? Read on for yourself and see.

Switch old drawers to stylish shelves

If you want to save money and the world (at least a tiny bit), then the key to success is upcycling. If you have an old set of drawers that you will not need anymore or just don’t have the space for them, then you can put them on the wall as an artistic, makeshift shelf.

Shelves with old wood effects will be perfect, but you can produce an authentic, deteriorated look at a fraction of the price with a little paint and lotion (more on that later). Instead, charity shops can be your best friend to pick up vintage furniture that may not be suitable for their original purpose, but that is ideal for an upcycling project.

Artificially distress furniture with lotion

Distressed furnishings used to be something you would never want. It’s a warning that your furniture was aged, battered, and repaired in desperate need. But as with most trends in home design, an antique is the latest, and getting distressed furniture is now very much in vogue.

You could buy an old piece of furniture from your furniture store of selection, or buy a piece of chemically distressed furniture, but there is a much cheaper and quicker way to get your furniture to have that elegant look. There is a whole range of options to convert your furniture to get that look, including using steel, wool, sandpaper, and candle wax with a variety of different paint styles used in the coating.

Get creative with hidden electronic fittings

Most households will now have a few routers spread around to meet the increasing requirements of the internet that a house full of computer crazy little demons will have. Particularly if any of the kids have found Minecraft, or if you are in the habit of getting a bit crazy with shopping online on your iPad when you’re sitting down with a cup of tea.

A fake row of books combined with a wooden crate can clean up a nifty DIY router. Grab some old books that you are never going to be reading, or dive into the discount bin in the charity shop. Take 4 or 5 hardcover books, then cut out the spine pages. Take the back and the front of the two books you want to start and end your fake stack, and glue the spines and cover the front with a tiny wooden case, the kind you might see in a fresh fruit stall or garden center. If you don’t want to use a case, you can glue the spines into a bit of cardboard and just place the router behind it instead of putting it in the box. That should hold everything together.

Remove carpet indentations with ice cubes

If you have a mark on your carpet created by a couch, a television set, a bed, or even just a groove worn by pacing or opening and closing a screen, this is a nice trick. Placing an ice cube on your carpet will clean out any awkward marks. Get your furniture off the path first, then simply place an ice cube on the mark if it’s a huge line-like open door mark or a seat drag.

Allow the cube to melt overnight so that the fibers are plumped up by the water. Protect the carpet with a blanket and use a fork to fluff gently any stray fibers that have remained flat. In the case of recurring dents, you may have to repeat it.

Keep Rupert off the floor using Velcro

Sure, maybe he’s not named Rupert, but somewhere around the house, we all have teddies, whether they belong for little ones or they are a childhood friend you just can’t let go of. Keep them clean and off the concrete, and at the same time fix the clutter problem by securing them with a velcro stripe to the wall.

Not only does this DIY trick keep the space looking tidy, but it’s also perfect for a children’s room as a fun way for them to highlight their cuddly friends while keeping the floor clean. Even if they don’t use it, when you are vacuuming or cleaning up for a play date, you’ll have a nice place to put the teddies. You can opt for Velcro to keep off a number of other things from the floor as well.

CommonFloor.com is passionate about streamlining property decisions and provides a comprehensive online property investment ecosystem to home seekers, sellers, and real estate professionals. This ecosystem incorporates innovative ways at one stop: extensive search options for rent and purchasing property, easy to use analytics, and house and locality feedback. They provide an extensive real estate directory across all the major cities in India.

Buying property Real Estate Smart Residential Living Tips

NRI Property Buying Checklist

Feb 13,2020 / By Prahalad Singh / No Comment

NRI Property Investment is the most discussed but least known topic. The reason being, it is considered to be too difficult. The rules and regulations ruling NRI Property Investment are different. There are two principal reasons for NRI Property Investment – 1) NRI’s would like to settle in India after retirement, and 2) they feel secure and safe to invest their hard-earned money in India compared to their home country.

What documents an NRI should check while buying a property in India?

The basic list of property documents that an NRI needed during property buying in India are:

Title Deed (in the name of the seller)
Sanctioned Building Plan
Commencement Certificate
Occupancy Certificate
Tax Paid Receipts
Encumbrance Certificate
Khata/Mutation Documents

What documents NRIs must have to buy property in India?

Below is the list of documents an NRI needed during property buying in India:

PIO/OCI Card

NRI requires an Indian passport to invest in property in India. He/she would need a PIO card if he/she is an individual, who is not a citizen of Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Afghanistan, Iran, and Bhutan but had owned the Indian passport.

He/she would require a PIO card if he/she is a foreign citizen whose father or grandfather was a citizen of India. In simple, if he/she holds the passport of a foreign country, he/she requires a PIO card.

PAN Card

NRIs need a PAN card because they will be required to file income tax returns if they have rented out the property. Besides, if the property is sold later, the capital gains resulting from the sales would be subject to capital gains tax. Capital gains would be included in the total income while it is being taxed.

Registered Power of Attorney

If you are an NRI and don’t visit India frequently, you would find it much easier to get the execution of the sale, registration, possession, and other processes done, if you give a special power of attorney to someone in the city in which you are buying a property.

Proof of Address

If you an NRI you need to submit the address proof of your current residence attested by the Indian Embassy in your country of residence).

Property registration formalities for NRI

As per current property registration rules, the title deed requires to have the photograph, thumb impression, and signature of the buyer. In the absence of the buyer at the time of registration, a Registered Power of Attorney can be assigned to your relative to sign the document on your behalf. This needs to be completed before the registration date.

What are the documents required for registering a property for an NRI?

Documents required at the time of registration:

PAN Card
OCI/PIO Card
Passport
Passport Size Photograph
Address Proof

What are the documents NRIs need while applying for a home loan?

If you are a salaried NRI and wants to apply for a home loan, you would need the following sets of documents:

Two passport size photographs
Address proof of the applicant and co-applicant (attested by the Indian Embassy in your country of residence)
Address proof (utility bills or driving license would count as address proof).
Past 6-months bank statement of your NRE/NRO account in India
Past 6-months bank statement of your account held in the country in which you work or your salary is credited
Salary slip of your employer
Loan sanction letter copies received in India and abroad
Self-declared residential status
Power of Attorney (to be executed in the format given by the bank and attested from Indian embassy)

Is TAN No required for the purchase of property from NRI?

TAN No. is not required if the property is purchased from a resident Indian. It is needed in case the property is purchased from a Non-resident Indian.

Can an NRI buy property in India without a PAN card?

PAN Card is not required for an NRI as they are non-residential Indians with Indian passports; particularly if they do not intend to invest money into any business in India. However, it is mandated by the government to own a PAN Card if:

An NRI is interested to invest in mutual funds in India.
The NRI wants to transfer the funds received from the property transactions in India to their NRE or NRO accounts.
They have a source of income in India that is taxable. For example; rented property

Does NRI need OCI to sell property in India?

Yes, they can but they have to pay the tax to the govt on the realize profit or gains. The Indian Govt. has provided general permission for NRI/PIO/OCI to buy a property and they do not have to pay any taxes even while buying a property in India. However, taxes have to be paid if they are selling the same property.

What is the tax rate for NRI in India?

An NRI who sells a residential property and earns capital gains are subject to pay tax, it’s the same as resident Indians. But for NRIs Long-term capital gains are subject to a TDS of 20% whereas the short-term capital gains are subject to a TDS of 30%.

Can an NRI buy any residential and commercial property in India?

Yes, an NRI can buy any commercial or residential property in India and there are no restrictions in buying the number of properties except any agricultural land, farmhouse, and plantation property. They can get the ownership of these properties only if they have been gifted or inherited from ancestors.

NRI doesn’t require any special permission to buy any residential or commercial property in India, except these two conditions:

When an NRI buys any commercial or residential property in India, he/she can’t make the payment in any foreign currency. An NRI has to use the normal banking channels, or any non-resident account such as Non-resident Rupee Account (NRE) or Non-resident Ordinary Account (NRO) to make the payment that comes under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and RBI regulations.
NRIs have an option to give Power of Attorney (POA) to their friends or relatives to complete the buying process in India. The POA can be general or specific about the rights a representative of NRI can use.

The RBI’s regulations are fairly easy as well and you don’t have to take any prior permission from the authorities. The laws for any such property transaction fall under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

NRIs can make payment for the buying of immovable property (other than agricultural land/plantation property/farm house) out of funds received in India through normal banking channels. NRI who has bought residential/commercial property under general permission is not required to file any documents with the Reserve Bank.

An NRI can buy the property, either as a single owner or jointly with any other NRI. They must be a resident of India, otherwise, he or she is not allowed to invest in a property in India, irrespective of the second holder’s contribution.

Also, NRI may transfer any immovable property in India to a person resident in India.

What are the major complaints of an NRI during property buying?

There are some complaints from NRI regarding the behavior of the builder and other professionals. Overcharging is very common. Even the professionals doubled their fees in the case of an NRI client. Through these cheap tactics, we create a negative image of our country. In a few cases, NRI clients have left the idea of property buying after identifying the price difference.

Short Abbreviation:

PIO- Person Of India Origin
OCI- Overseas Citizen Of India
POA- Power of Attorney
FEMA- Foreign Exchange Management Act
NRE- Non-resident Rupee Account
NRO- Non-resident Ordinary Account
PAN- Permanent Account Number
RBI- Reserve Bank of India

#NRI #investment #india #propertybuying #tips #realestate

blog hot topics in india Smart Residential Living Tips

Coronavirus in India: Tips to keep your house safe from Coronavirus

Feb 11,2020 / By Prahalad Singh / No Comment

About Coronaviruses

As the new Wuhan coronavirus has spread not solely over mainland China but also worldwide, panic amongst people is rising day-by-day. Inside China, there is a growing sense of helplessness, because the government is forced to take severe steps to prevent the virus, including some travel restrictions in Beijing. Death toll in China nears 1,500, confirmed cases cross 65,000. Meantime, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that confirmed cases of coronavirus are spread among people who have never moved to China. The first possible case of this virus in Ontario was identified on 25th January 2020 and has evidence of limited human-to-human transmission.

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses varying from the common cold to serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or serious acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Some causes illness in humans and others cause illness in animals, such as bats, camels, and civets.

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care center.
Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, whereas others don’t.

Your risk of critical illness is also higher if you’ve got a weakened immune system. This might be the case for:

Older people
People with chronic illness (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)

Advice if your child has a fever and cough

If your child gets a fever and cough, this is what you should do:

1) Call your doctor’s office for advice specific to your child and your community.
2) If your doctor does not think your child needs to be checked, you can help them feel better by

being sure they stay hydrated. Make sure they are drinking regularly. Popsicles are a good way to get fluids in and can relieve a painful throat.
using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever. Check with your doctor’s office about the right dose for your child.
using a humidifier to help with congestion.
restricting the use of over-the-counter cold medicines in children under the age of 6. They don’t help much (even with kids over 6) and can have side effects. In children over a year, honey can relieve a cough. Use saltwater drops for stuffy noses.

Watch for warning signs of problems, and seek medical attention if they occur:

3) any difficulty breathing (rapid or heavy breathing, sucking in around the neck or ribs, looking pale or bluish)
harsh cough that won’t stop
4) high fever that won’t come down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
5) extreme sleepiness
6) irritability or pain that you cannot soothe
7) refusal to take fluids, or any signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, not urinating at least every six hours).

Tips to deal with the coronavirus in India

Travelers who have returned from mainland China should:

Contact the local public health unit within 24 hours of arriving in India
Stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in your home, for a total of 14 days from the date you left China
Monitor themselves for symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus for 14 days after leaving mainland China

What should one do if he/she comes into contact with a person with coronavirus in India?

If you have been identified as a contact of a person with proved coronavirus infection in India, the local public health unit will contact you with advice within 24 hours of arriving in India. This advice will include that you need to isolate yourself at home for 14 days after contact with the infected person, and to monitor your health and report any symptoms.

What are the symptoms and treatments from the 2019 novel coronavirus?

Symptoms range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe, and can include:

fever
cough
difficulty in breathing

Complications from the 2019 novel coronavirus can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.

There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illnesses will recover on their own. You should:

drink plenty of fluids
get rest and sleep as much as possible
try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough

If you need immediate medical attention you should call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

How to protect yourself from the 2019 novel coronavirus?

There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus. One should follow everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:

Wash your hands often with soap and water
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Avoid contact with people who are sick
Stay home if you are sick

If you are traveling to an area known to have cases of coronavirus, be sure to avoid:

high-risk areas such as farms, live animal markets, and areas where animals may be slaughtered
contact with animals (alive or dead), including pigs, chickens, ducks, and wild birds
surfaces with animal droppings or secretions on them

What is the scientific name of Coronavirus and its sources of origin?

The scientific name of coronavirus is “2019 novel coronavirus” (2019-nCov). It is a respiratory infection that originated in Wuhan, China.

Which are the current affected areas?

Mainland China is identified as the major affected areas and the travelers who have returned from Hubei province, including Wuhan City.

Coronavirus in India

A total of 1,999 people, who have a travel history from China and other affected countries, are under observation in Kerala, of whom 75 are in isolation wards of various hospitals. The remaining 1,924 are under home quarantine and have been asked to not go out in public until the end of the 28-day incubation period.

On 14th Feb, almost two weeks after the evacuation, the government reported that all Indian evacuees from Wuhan – 645 of them have tested negative for 2019-nCoV. Over 11,500 individuals are presently under community surveillance in 34 states/union territories and contact tracing is going on. As of now, 1,632 samples from suspected patients have been tested from across the country of which three samples have tested positive; all from the state of Kerala. Interestingly, reports indicate that all three patients are medical students undergoing training in Wuhan.

The latest data indicate that about 82% of cases are mild, 18% cases are severe, of which 3% require intensive care; and that the fatalities are mostly old patients and those with pre-existing conditions. Many medical personnel is getting affected as well.

What is the Indian government doing?

A new travel advisory has been issued directing everyone to avoid traveling to China, saying planned visitors from China might apply for a fresh Indian visa. Apart from that, if anyone with a history of travel to China since January 15th, 2020, could be quarantined.

Are Indian airlines still flying to China?

All Indian airlines have suspended flights to China. Air India, IndiGo, and other Indian airlines have suspended flights to China over the coronavirus risks.

Where are the screening wards in India located for Coronavirus?

Screening wards in India city-wise:

City	Screening Wards
Delhi	Manesar Camp, Ram Manohar Lohia, AIIMS, and Safdarjung hospital.
Mumbai	Kasturba hospital and Pune’s Naidu hospital
Karnataka	Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru International Airport
Manipur	5-centers have been opened in different border towns of the state and at the Imphal International Airport to screen people for coronavirus.
Mizoram	India-Myanmar border is being tested at Zokhawthar.

Updates on 2019 novel coronavirus in India

The patient who first examined positive for coronavirus is now hospitalized in Thrissur Medical College and her condition is stable.
The 2nd case of coronavirus in the country was reported from Kerala and the patient is being monitored in an isolation ward at Alappuzha Medical College.
The 3rd case of coronavirus was seen in Kerala and the patient has been kept under isolation at the Kanhangad in Kasaragod district and his condition is also stable.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister said that the center is taking complete preventive steps regarding the coronavirus outbreak.
To date, India has screened 1,118 flights so far.
DGCA has exempted flight crews from Breath Analyser (BA) tests for 15 days at Kerala’s Calicut, Kannur, Trivandrum and Cochin airports following the novel coronavirus outbreak.
3,252 people under observation in Kerala for Coronavirus.
Over 1.9 lakh passengers screened for Coronavirus at airports, 9,452 persons under surveillance, as per the Health Ministry.

Where did the new coronavirus (2019-nCov) come from?

As per the local people, the virus (2019-nCov) first appeared in Wuhan, China in people who had visited a local seafood and animal market (called the Huanan seafood market).

How does the coronavirus spread between people?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from one infected person to another via:

The air (sneeze or from viral particles from a cough)
Close personal contact (shaking hands or touching)
An object or surface with viral particles on it (then the touching nose, eyes, and your mouth before washing your hands)
And rarely from defecation contamination.

Is the virus being spread from one person to another?

The novel coronavirus (n-CoV) can be spread from one person to another most likely by coughing or contact with respiratory issues of people infected with the virus.

There have been a small number of cases of transmission from person to person taking place outside of mainland China.

How is the coronavirus diagnosed?

Infection with 2019-nCoV is diagnosed by detecting confirmation of the virus in respiratory samples such as fluid from the lungs or swabs from the throat. An infected person can immediately ask for the local public health unit.

Who is at risk?

People who have visited mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan), or who have had contact with an infected person, in the past 14 days may be at risk of catching the disease.

Which countries are infected from Coronavirus?

Here’s the list of Coronavirus cases country-wise:

Country Name	Coronavirus Cases
Mainland China	37,232
Thailand	32
Japan	25 (+70 on a cruise ship off the coast)
Singapore	40
Hong Kong	29
South Korea	25
Taiwan	18
Australia	15
Malaysia	16
Germany	14
Vietnam	13
Macau	10
The U.S.	12
France	11
UAE	7
Canada	7
Italy	3
Russia	2
UK	3
Philippines	3
Cambodia	1
India	3
Belgium	1
Finland	1
Nepal	1
Spain	1
Srilanka	1
Sweden	1

Data source: livescience.com

What is being done globally to stop the spread of the coronavirus?

The Chinese government put Wuhan and many other nearby cities on “lockdown,” meaning people are not allowed in or out of the area.
The governments of both Taiwan and Hong Kong have said they would not allow in anyone from the Hubei Province (where Wuhan is located).
Major airports in the U.S. are conducting screenings to try to check for symptoms of the virus.
The Chinese government has banned the sale of wildlife in markets, restaurants and online.
Also, U.S. citizens, permanent residents and immediate families who have visited China’s Hubei province will undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine. And “foreign nationals” who have traveled to China in the past 14 days won’t be allowed in the U.S.
If Americans visited any other part of China, they will be screened at airports and asked for self-quarantine for 14 days.
Australia is also barring entry to non-citizens who have recently visited China.
Flights carrying passengers from China will be rerouted to one of 11 U.S. airports.

How can people protect themselves and others from Coronavirus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent infection with 2019-nCoV is to avoid being exposed to the virus. In general, the CDC recommends the following to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

People who traveled to China and became sick with fever, difficulty in breathing or cough within the following 2-weeks should ask for medical care instantly and call first to inform the medical staff about their recent travel.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay at home when you are sick
Clean and sanitize frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If traveling to China, you should avoid contact with sick people, avoid dead or alive animals, animal markets or products that come from animals such as uncooked meat.
Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands

What scientists are doing across the US?

Scientists are trying to invent a vaccine for the new virus across the US. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is working on it, but it will take at least a few months before clinical experiments start and more than a year until a vaccine might actually be available in the market.

What if one doesn’t have medicare or healthcare facilities?

To help the NSW response to coronavirus, people will not be charged out of pocket expenses who are not eligible for medicare and presenting to NSW Health facilities for coronavirus assessment.

Most people that are not eligible for medicare will have health or travel insurance. For those that do not have sufficient insurance coverage, NSW Health will cover these costs.

These arrangements have been put in place to ensure payment issues are not a difficulty for people from overseas with respiratory symptoms demanding immediate medical help.

Is there any specific treatment or a vaccine?

Currently, there are no specific treatments and available vaccines that protect against coronaviruses. Early diagnosis and general supportive care are necessary.

Indian coronavirus cases on Diamond Princess cruise ship

The latest coronavirus cases in India are reported from the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Yokohama in Japan. Three crew members from India have tested positive for the virus on the ship as of 15 February. A total of 138 passengers and crew members from India are reportedly on board the ship.

What arrangements are in place for checking people at airports?

The Indian Government has put in place protective measures at all international airports for passengers coming from China.

Global Updates on 2019 novel coronavirus

According to the Johns Hopkins virus dashboard, approximately 42,000 individuals globally (primarily in mainland China) have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus.
1,000 deaths linked to the virus.
More than 800 Americans have been evacuated from Wuhan on four flights.
Wuhan officials plan to round up those suspected of being infected into mass quarantine camps.
There have been two deaths, one in the Philippines and the other in Hong Kong.
A 60-year-old U.S. citizen in Wuhan has died after being infected with the coronavirus.
As per the Times report, around 3,700 people are being quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Japan due to the coronavirus, with 70 individuals testing positive so far.
The 34-year-old Chinese doctor who was silenced by police for warning about the coronavirus outbreak has died after contracting that virus.
A phase 1 trial of a new vaccine against 2019-nCoV by Dr. Anthony Fauci, is on track to begin in 2.5 months.
Fauci stated that there have been “no glitches so far” in the steps to prepare the vaccine which involves initial studies in lab dishes and animals.
According to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the U.S. is ready to spend up to $100 million to support China and other countries in fighting the virus.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family who have visited China’s Hubei province will now undergo a mandatory 2-week quarantine.
The total number of deaths in China now at 1,367 out of 59805 confirmed cases until 13th Feb.
With 44 new cases, the total number of affected on quarantined Japan cruise ship now stands at 218
China’s capital Beijing imposes a 14-day quarantine on arrivals
Golf-Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen events postponed due to coronavirus outbreak
WHO says joint China mission to start coronavirus investigations this weekend
Top Australian Universities say Chinese students could quit Australia
According to ministry communication, 2148 flights and 232613 passengers from China have been screened so far.
Outside China, the biggest group of Coronavirus infections is aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Japan’s Yokohama, where an additional 99 cases were reported on Monday, making the total to 454 diagnosed.
China may postpone the annual parliament session over the virus

Coronavirus Updates India
The Indian national in UAE affected by the virus is now stable
Three Indian crew members on an isolated cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus
Indian Embassy in Japan said it is touch with authorities for their welfare and early disembarkation
2 of the 3 Indians infected with the virus in Kerala test negative
83 under home quarantine in Odisha
Indian aviation regulator adds passengers of four countries to be screened for Coronavirus
Coronavirus has dented Goa’s tourism prospects
India has screened 1,118 flights so far
3252 people under observation in Kerala for Coronavirus
Over 1.9 lakh passengers screened for Coronavirus at airports, 9,452 persons under surveillance
Existing visas, including already issued eVisa, no longer valid for any foreign national traveling from China.
A 28-year-old man from UP’s Utraula has been kept in isolation ward. The man is a medical student in China and had returned to India 15 days ago.
To date, 2,455 people have been placed under the monitoring of which 2,431 are under home quarantine and 24 in assigned facilities.
So far, 381 samples of suspect cases have been sent to NIV for testing, of which results of 354 were negative.
17 people from Delhi who returned from abroad before coronavirus screening showed symptoms, hospitalized.
Embassy of India in Japan said that all 4 COVID-19 positive Indian nationals as on 17th Feb 2020 receiving medical attention onshore are reacting well to the treatment. We are in regular touch with Indians onboard Diamond Princess Ship.
PM Modi writes to Manu Joseph, nursing officer, Safdarjung Hospital, extending his heartiest congratulations to members of the medical team who helped in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Wuhan.
India to send a consignment of medical supplies to China later this week to fight coronavirus.#India #China #kerala #coronavirus #wuhan #diamondprincess #safetytips #health #who #coronavirusupdatesImage & Data source: Ontario, Livescience.com, World Health Organisation

Life at home maintenance Smart Residential Living Tips vastu

Vastu tips for a rented house.

Jan 20,2020 / By Supriya Mogarala / No Comment

Vastu principles play a crucial role, not only when it comes to purchasing a house but also when migrating into a rental accommodation. We look at the crucial Vastu aspects that tenants must acknowledge, before concluding a deal.

Vastu Shastra, the ancient science of architecture, is about improving positive energies in your space. It applies evenly, to homes owned by individuals, as well as rental houses. Vastu Shastra principles, when implemented correctly in the living space, secure physical, spiritual and material well-being. Vastu faults can be improved, by implementing using changes in the rooms, by applying harmonious colors, by modifying the arrangement of objects or by using regulators and remedies.

Improving Vastu flaws

For the correction of Vastu defects, one can use Vastu composite paintings, yantra, and crystals, to bring tranquility and prosperity. Use logos like Elephants, Kuberan Gems, Buddhas and Paintings of Water bodies, Mountains or the Sun, as these are deemed. If you are previously living in a rented home that has Vastu deficiencies, negotiate a Vastu practitioner who can accompany you with supplements that do not demand modification of the space.

There are some other modest steps that one can undertake, to make the rental space friendly. For example, the usual mopping of the floors with salt water can cultivate the space. Light incense, dhoop or essential oils can cleanse the home and keep it smelling fresh. Performing melodic music or mantras can also produce a soothing ambiance. For reliable and sparkling energy, sustain a few plants or place flowers and beautiful pictures in the house. Keep the environment free of disorder, dust, and cobwebs, as it draws negative energy. Also, assure that the clocks in the home are in a working situation.

Points to investigate before relocating into a residence

One must keep fundamental things in mind when renting a house. Most importantly, avoid a residence with too much Vastu inconsistencies like a toilet in the north-east, or a kitchen in the north-east or south-west zone, or a removed corner in the north-east or south-west of the house. The master bedroom should be in the south-west region.

While renting a house or an apartment, try to find the story of the property – how flourishing the former occupiers were and the idea for them to shift. The objective of the main door is necessary, based on the individual’s date of birth. There are certain quadrants and the main door should adhere to this policy. Make a small haven, before occupying the house, to refine the space and cleanse it of any negative forces. A Ganesh puja, Navagraha Shanti (honor of the nine planets) and a Vastu puja should be executed.

Hence, opt for lighter colors on the walls and avoid clashing colors and too much grey or black. Before shifting, have the house freshly painted and service all leaking pipes, taps, broken furniture and shelves.

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Category : Tips