Major GST relief for holding companies in corporate guarantees case
The Punjab & Haryana high court has stayed a circular that brought corporate guarantees under the ambit of GST, providing relief to holding companies in India.
WHO
San Francisco’s plan to break the doom loop? Fix business taxes
A proposal to reform San Francisco’s business tax formula is being considered for approval by voters in November. The proposal would modify the gross receipts tax to focus on a company’s sales instead of its on-site headcount, potentially leading to tax cuts for small businesses and making it more attractive for large companies to keep their workers in the city. The plan is expected to be revenue neutral over time, with initial declines in business tax revenue before increases in the following years. The proposal would also raise the threshold for exemption from gross receipts taxes for small businesses. The effort to reform the tax structure has gathered momentum over the past year and has involved major San Francisco employers, labor unions, and other stakeholders in negotiations. Labor unions are not expected to actively oppose the measure’s passage.
8-day remand granted in Anthoupoli murder attempt
Nine individuals, including a 43-year-old already serving a prison sentence for attempted murder, have been approved for an 8-day remand in connection with the attempted murder of Demetris Andronikou in Anthoupoli.
EU health commissioner urges equal treatment for HIV patients
Stella Kyriakidou, the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, expressed the need to break prejudice and stigma surrounding HIV-positive individuals and their families at a pan-European level. She visited the Gregorio Pneumonological Clinic at Larnaca General Hospital and emphasized the importance of providing access to services and job market opportunities for HIV-positive individuals. Kyriakidou also highlighted the importance of daily information and awareness to address prejudice and stigma towards HIV-positive individuals.
Plans for comprehensive harm reduction centre
The President of the Cyprus Anti-Addiction Authority, Christos Minas, announced the goal of establishing a “one stop” center to provide services for homeless individuals, including supervised consumption rooms and sleeping quarters. The authority aims to expand harm reduction services in Cyprus and support individuals who are not yet ready to stop substance use. Through various measures outlined in the National Strategy 2021-2028, such as substitution therapy programs and distribution of harm reduction kits, the authority promotes harm reduction practices. Minas emphasizes that harm reduction is effective, economically efficient, and will continue to be a focus of the authority to protect all citizens affected by addiction.
Pupil accused of vandalising Livadia Primary school
A 10-year-old pupil allegedly caused damage to windows and roof tiles at a primary school in Livadia, while unknown individuals throwing firecrackers burned a bench and plastic bins in the school’s yard. The damage was discovered by cleaners who arrived at the school on Sunday morning. The school board will request that the parents of the 10-year-old cover the costs of the damages, estimated to be around one thousand euros.
Hooverphonic brings Belgian alternative rock to Limassol
Hooverphonic, the Belgian pop-rock band, will be performing in Limassol, Cyprus on Friday, May 10.
Kevin Spacey overturns UK ruling in sex assault case over lawyers’ mistake
Kevin Spacey overturned a London court ruling that found him liable for an alleged sexual assault after his lawyers failed to serve a defense in a civil lawsuit. The man suing Spacey for the assault will now proceed to a full trial.
India, ’s Modi casts vote as giant election reaches halfway mark
Prime Minister Narendra Modi voted early in India’s general election, seeking a third straight term. The election began on April 19 and will be held in seven phases, with nearly one billion people eligible to vote. Modi urged citizens to participate in the “festival of democracy” while taking care of their health due to rising summer temperatures.
Producer Mike Gunton on working with naturalist, David Attenborough
David Attenborough, a veteran British naturalist and broadcaster, turns 98 on May 8 and has no plans to retire, according to his longtime collaborator Mike Gunton.