government

Rural tourism in Cyprus on the up, minister says

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Rural tourism in Cyprus on the up, minister says

Agrotourism in Cyprus is on the rise, with a total of 166,293 overnight stays recorded in 2023 compared to 153,196 in 2022. The Ministry of Tourism has incentive plans aimed at boosting the countryside, with projects already implemented or in progress in 80 communities. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism is actively involved in developing agrotourism in Cyprus, with a focus on improving rural infrastructure and living standards for rural residents.

California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

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California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California canceled the valedictorian speech of Muslim student Asna Tabassum due to safety concerns and tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the decision was made to protect campus security, as discussions about the valedictorian selection had become alarming. Tabassum challenged the university’s rationale, questioning if the decision was solely based on safety. USC faced opposition from groups like Trojans for Israel and We Are Tov, who called for Tabassum’s removal as commencement speaker, citing her social media profile and past views on Palestine and Israel. Tabassum’s invitation to speak was withdrawn without USC reviewing her speech, leading to criticism and calls for her reinstatement from groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations.

Telegram platform to hit 1 bln users within year, founder says

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Telegram platform to hit 1 bln users within year, founder says

The Telegram messaging app is expected to reach 1 billion active monthly users within a year, according to its founder Pavel Durov. The app, which aims to remain neutral and not involved in geopolitics, has become a crucial tool for both governments and individuals during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite criticism for spreading misinformation.

Russian poetry prize bans entries from transgender people

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Russian poetry prize bans entries from transgender people

A Russian poetry competition, the Andrei Dementyev All-Russian Poetry Prize, has banned transgender individuals from submitting entries this year in order to protect traditional values. Russia has implemented a crackdown on LGBTQ rights, including designating the international LGBT social movement as extremist and banning gender change surgery and hormone therapy for transgender people.

Venture capital investment in UK start-ups falls in Q1 2024

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Venture capital investment in UK start-ups falls in Q1 2024

Venture capital investment in UK companies fell in the first three months of 2024, reaching the lowest level since the second quarter of 2020.

Businesses will leave NJ if they face more corporate taxes — even to bail out NJ Transit

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Businesses will leave NJ if they face more corporate taxes — even to bail out NJ Transit

Fact: Gov. Phil Murphy proposed a new state budget that would retroactively increase the state’s Corporate Business Tax, promising that the increase would only be temporary.

Federal budget hikes capital-gains tax on companies and wealthy individuals

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Federal budget hikes capital-gains tax on companies and wealthy individuals

The federal government is increasing capital gains taxes on wealthy individuals and companies to finance new spending on housing and other government priorities.

Ottawa moves to raise inclusion rate on capital gains taxes in 2024 budget – BNN Bloomberg

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Ottawa moves to raise inclusion rate on capital gains taxes in 2024 budget - BNN Bloomberg

The federal government announced intentions to raise the inclusion rate on capital gains taxes for corporations and individuals earning beyond a certain threshold, which will impact wealthy individuals who are benefiting from tax advantages not available to middle class Canadians, according to the Budget 2024.

Govt seeks to return 30 Syrian nationals , ‘ASAP’

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Govt seeks to return 30 Syrian nationals , ‘ASAP’

The government of Cyprus is ready to revoke the protection status of around 30 people from Syria who have traveled back to Syria via the north in the past year. These individuals will not have the right to appeal the decision.

Christodoulides outlines Cyprus economic strategy in London

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Christodoulides outlines Cyprus economic strategy in London

President Nikos Christodoulides presented the government’s economic strategy to attract investments, which includes fiscal discipline, bold reforms, and a stable financial sector. He also emphasized efforts to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the Cypriot economy. Additionally, he attended a dinner celebrating 90 years since the founding of the ‘Greek Cypriot Brotherhood’ and was appointed as a patron of the organization.