Do I need to file a tax return this year?
Published at 8:00 am, February 17, 2024QuestionDear Savvy Senior,What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. Check Your StateEven if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. Tax Preparation HelpIf you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can free file through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2023 adjusted gross income was below $79,000.
Source:The Nation
February 17, 2024 15:32 UTC
Scientists identify genetic mechanism responsible for plant leaf diversity
Source: phys.orgPlant leaves come in many different shapes, sizes and complexities. Some leaves are large and smooth, while others are smaller and serrated. Some leaves grow in single pieces while others form multiple leaflets. These variations in leaf structure play a crucial role in how plants adapt—and survive—in different environments.
Source:The Nation
February 17, 2024 09:59 UTC
Bridging the opportunity gap in social sector AI
Source: phys.orgOver the last decade, AI has reshaped the commercial sector and consumer habits—think recommender systems for online shopping or streaming services. While many businesses have jumped headfirst into artificial intelligence, it's unclear how the social and education sectors are thinking about this technology. Do they currently use it, are they interested in using it, and how?
Source:The Nation
February 17, 2024 06:00 UTC
Imran Khan's Party To Sit In Opposition In Pakistan's Parliament
Independent candidates - a majority backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested in the February 8 election. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. "According to our estimates, out of 177 [National Assembly] seats which were supposed to be ours, only 92 have been given to us. Hassan claimed there was a huge difference in the numbers of votes polled for National Assembly and provincial assembly seats. In a post on X, the PTI claimed that its "win of 180 National Assembly seats and a two-thirds majority in Parliament was cut down to half".
Source:The Nation
February 16, 2024 20:05 UTC
Researchers develop protocol for rapid detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Source: phys.orgA paper-based platform developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) could help quickly detect the presence of antibiotic-resistant, disease-causing bacteria.
Source:The Nation
February 15, 2024 18:29 UTC
NDB Bank nurtures Sri Lanka’s future leaders at EDEX Expo 2024
NDB Bank nurtures Sri Lanka’s future leaders at EDEX Expo 2024BusinessNDB Bank showcased its commitment to the nation's youth and catering to the needs of their future at the prestigious EDEX Expo 2024 held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) in Colombo from February 9th to 11th. The focal point of NDB Bank's participation at the EDEX Expo was the spotlight on its groundbreaking offering, the NDB ZEE Youth Account. At the EDEX Expo 2024, NDB Bank's dedicated “ZEE Spark” stall went above and beyond to support the aspirations of young attendees. In collaboration with esteemed education partners, NDB Bank introduced installment plans for higher education with 0% interest. The release said that NDB Bank's presence at EDEX Expo 2024 reaffirmed its position as a driving force for youth empowerment and development in Sri Lanka.
Source:The Nation
February 15, 2024 09:41 UTC
Online images may be turning back the clock on gender bias
Source: phys.orgA picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, and research has shown that the human brain does indeed better retain information from images than from text. These days, we are taking in more visual content than ever as we peruse picture-packed news sites and social media platforms.
Source:The Nation
February 14, 2024 17:06 UTC
The escalating impact of global warming on atmospheric rivers
In many regions, atmospheric rivers, like the one shown here in green, are expected to increase in frequency with climate change. Credit: NASA In many regions, atmospheric rivers, like the one shown here in green, are expected to increase in frequency with climate change. Credit: NASARibbons of water vapor called atmospheric rivers wind through the troposphere, moving the planet's moisture from near the equator toward the poles. Climate change is predicted to alter the timing and distribution of atmospheric rivers, potentially redistributing the global supply of water. More information: Lujia Zhang et al, Future Changes in Global Atmospheric Rivers Projected by CMIP6 Models, Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres (2024).
Source:The Nation
February 13, 2024 18:03 UTC
Roads, farming threaten Ecuador 'lost city' complex
Source: phys.orgShielded by the jungle for hundreds of years, the remains of a massive 2,500-year-old network of Ecuadoran cities are being threatened by road and farm encroachment just as its long-held secrets are being revealed, researchers say.
Source:The Nation
February 13, 2024 09:42 UTC
India’s UPI service launched in Sri Lanka
India’s UPI service launched in Sri LankaNewsA virtual launch introduced UPI transactions via LankaQR, enhancing digital payments for Indian tourists in Sri Lanka a short while ago, the President's Media Division said. Led by NPCI International Payments Limited & LankaPay Pvt Ltd, the initiative aims to rapidly expand, with 10,000 merchants set to accept UPI payments shortly after launch. By March 2024, this number will reach 65,000, providing a seamless payment solution for Indian tourists, the PMD said. The partnership with National Payment Corporation of India, allows Indian tourists and business travelers to pay at nearly 400,000 Lanka QR-enabled merchants using their familiar UPI payment apps. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
February 12, 2024 18:11 UTC
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre ‘Get a life with Fibre’ campaign reenergisers the nation with Sri Lanka's first, fastest, and widest home Broadband service - Adaderana Biz English
SLT-MOBITEL Fibre is reenergizing the nation with the power of high-speed connectivity, inviting families and homes to experience the unparalleled benefits of Sri Lanka’s fastest and widest home broadband service. SLT-MOBITEL Fibre excels as Sri Lanka's pioneering Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband service, recognised as the preferred choice for users seeking a reliable and high-speed internet connection to meet their digital needs. Enhancing the service, SLT-MOBITEL is offering registrants a chance to win amazing gifts worth more than Rs 1,000,000 monthly. Subscribing to SLT-MOBITEL Fibre services customers will be joining the Fibre Elite Club of existing users who already enjoy the premium, high quality internet connectivity. Since the dawn of the new year on 01 January 2024, SLT-MOBITEL has enhanced fibre speed to 300Mbps.
Source:The Nation
February 12, 2024 12:14 UTC
Explained: What's Next In Pakistan Election Deadlock
Pakistan's national election ended with no party winning a majority in parliament, in polls marred by militant violence, political turmoil and questions of transparency. The two, along with other smaller parties, form a coalition government in which Sharif or his brother is prime minister and important positions are given to other parties. The two parties were in government together for 16 months till August, with Bhutto Zardari as foreign minister and Sharif's brother Shehbaz as prime minister. Bhutto Zardari Pushes To Head Coalition GovernmentWhile Sharif and Khan's candidates won the most seats, no party can form government without the PPP. With both looking to keep the other out of power, the PPP strikes a deal to make the young Bhutto Zardari prime minister.
Source:The Nation
February 12, 2024 03:29 UTC
Police to receive Increased allowances from Tuesday
Police to receive Increased allowances from TuesdayNewsAll Police personnel will receive an increase in their food and lodging allowance with effect from next Tuesday. The Police Constable to Sergeant ranks will receive an increase between Rs 2,340 to Rs 4.230 while the Sub Inspector and Chief Inspector ranks will receive an increase of Rs 3,060 and Rs 4,320 respectively. Between Assistant Superintendent of Police to Inspector General of Police ranks the increase is Rs 4,140. The full increased allowance was due to police personnel from January, but had been delayed due to a delay in the Treasury releasing funds. However, police officers attached to the VIP security division for retired Presidents, Prime Minister’s Security Division, Ministers’ Security Division, Special Task Force (STF) and Intelligence service have already been granted a special allowance amounting to one-third of their basic salary as well, the report stressed.
Source:Sunday Times
February 12, 2024 02:02 UTC