Direct tax collection jumps 17.7% in FY24

Direct tax collection jumps 17.7% in FY24

Fact: India’s net direct tax collections surged by 17.7% year-on-year to Rs 19.58 crore in the fiscal year ended March 2024, exceeding Budget Estimates by 7.40%.

Govt may lower corporate tax to encourage compliance

Govt may lower corporate tax to encourage compliance

The government may reduce the corporate tax rate in fiscal 2024-25 to encourage compliance and boost collection, with the National Board of Revenue likely proposing a 2.5 percentage point reduction for both listed and non-listed companies.

Cyprus rights record shows concerns, US report finds

Cyprus rights record shows concerns, US report finds

The US State Department’s annual report on human rights in Cyprus highlights concerns in both the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied areas. In the Republic of Cyprus, issues include interference with NGOs, refoulement of asylum seekers, and violence against minorities. While the government has taken steps to address abuses, instances of impunity remain. The occupied areas face harsh prison conditions, restrictions on media and assembly, and widespread corruption and impunity. The report also notes that elections in the Republic of Cyprus are considered free and fair, and freedom of expression for the media is generally respected.

Police crack down on illegal work in Larnaca and Famagusta

Police crack down on illegal work in Larnaca and Famagusta

Fact: Ten people were found working illegally and arrested in Larnaca, with three more discovered in the Famagusta district as part of coordinated police efforts tackling undeclared work.

Over 30 artists take a look at the environment

Over 30 artists take a look at the environment

An environmental art exhibition called RE:SOURCE 2.0 is set to take place in Limassol from May 17-21. The exhibition will feature over 30 Cyprus and international artists and will focus on the nature-human bond in response to trash pollution. The artworks will include various mediums such as painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and video art, connecting visitors with the natural world. The exhibition will also include educational activities like lectures, quests, and creative workshops.

Renovations begin on Alektora mosque

Renovations begin on Alektora mosque

Renovations work began on Monday at the abandoned mosque in the village of Alektora in the Limassol district. Alektora was almost exclusively inhabited by Turkish Cypriots until the outbreak of intercommunal violence in the 1960s.

Book Review: Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman

Book Review: Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman

Fact: Adelle Waldman’s novel “Help Wanted” focuses on the working-class employees of a big-box department store called Town Square in Potterstown, NY, who struggle to make ends meet by working multiple jobs.

Childhood bullying: forms, signs and how to help victims

Childhood bullying: forms, signs and how to help victims

Fact: One in five pupils in Cyprus is a victim of school bullying, according to a study conducted by the Paedagogical Institute in collaboration with the University of Cyprus.