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Our View: Government must listen to reason over relief measures

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Our View: Government must listen to reason over relief measures

The IMF was critical of the government’s decision to extend ‘horizontal’ support measures, such as zero VAT and electricity bill subsidies, despite advising against it. The IMF expressed concerns that these measures could negatively affect public finances and undermine efforts to control inflation. The IMF also recommended avoiding indexing adjustments of wages, particularly in the public sector, to reflect macroeconomic developments and productivity increases.

Environmental action: you can make a real difference

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Environmental action: you can make a real difference

Fact: Supporting environmental organizations can enable them to have a more influential presence during their participation in decision-making bodies and committees.

Doubts raised over development of Larnaca port

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Doubts raised over development of Larnaca port

The company assigned to expand and restore Larnaca port, Kition Ocean Holdings, has not started any of the works on the €1.2 billion project two years after being assigned. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades expressed strong concern about the lack of progress and warned that if the company does not honor its contractual obligations, actions will be taken accordingly. The latest information suggests that work on the project may start in May or June.

Ministry looking at alternatives for smart electricity meters

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Ministry looking at alternatives for smart electricity meters

The energy ministry and the electricity authority (EAC) are studying alternative solutions for the provision of smart meters to avoid repeated delays.

Health minister discusses key Gesy issues with medical association

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Health minister discusses key Gesy issues with medical association

Health Minister Michael Damianos met with a delegation from the Pancyprian Medical Association to discuss key healthcare issues, including the need for comprehensive planning for the national health scheme Gesy, addressing the strengthening of the legislative framework, tackling abuses, covering non-prescription drugs for low-income pensioners, improving public hospitals, and regulating working conditions for employees of the Cyprus Oncology Centre.

Cyprus, Greece share common goals on Cyprus problem, says President

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Cyprus, Greece share common goals on Cyprus problem, says President

Cyprus and Greece share common goals and aspirations regarding the need to resume talks on the Cyprus problem.

Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

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Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

World Central Kitchen suspended its operations in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an IDF strike. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the maritime aid corridor will remain open despite the suspension.

Centre met revised tax collection targets for fiscal 2024: Government Official

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Centre met revised tax collection targets for fiscal 2024: Government Official

The Centre has met its tax collection target of over Rs 34.37 lakh crore for 2023-24, with net direct tax collections reaching over Rs 18.90 lakh crore as of March 17. Gross GST collection in March 2024 was the second-highest ever at Rs 1.78 lakh crore, with a year-on-year growth of 11.5 percent. Total gross collection for FY24 stood at Rs 20.18 lakh crore, surpassing the revised budget estimate.