government

UK universities threatened by plunging international student numbers

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UK universities threatened by plunging international student numbers

Britain should avoid further restricting international student numbers to prevent universities from collapsing, as foreign registrations for next year have plummeted. The government has sought to reduce the number of students coming to Britain, including preventing some post-graduate students from bringing family members. The Migration Advisory Committee warned that more restrictions on the graduate route could lead to job losses, course closures, and potential institution failures. The committee found no evidence of widespread abuse in the graduate route, with students from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan accounting for 70% of graduate visas. The CBI emphasized the importance of British universities as a major export success.

Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

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Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a death toll of 34,844, with 21,058 counted from bodies arriving at morgues and 3,715 reported online by family members. The ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies are uncounted. The credibility of the death toll is supported by public health experts and the World Health Organization, although there are specific questions about certain casualties. Hamas does not control the figures, as the Health Ministry also answers to the Palestinian Authority ministry in the West Bank. Israeli officials have questioned the figures, but the military has acknowledged their reliability. Israel estimates that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the war. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 70% of the dead are women and children under 18, with children representing slightly over 40% of all those killed.

Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill amid protests

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Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill amid protests

Georgia’s parliament passed a “foreign agents” bill in its final reading, which now goes to President Salome Zourabichvili for approval. The bill requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. Critics have compared the bill to Russian legislation and have called for further protests. The European Union has warned that the bill could hinder Georgia’s integration with the bloc. Despite opposition, the ruling party in Georgia insists that the bill is necessary for transparency and to combat foreign influence.

Criminal gangs, profiteers thrive in Gaza as cash shortage worsens misery

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Criminal gangs, profiteers thrive in Gaza as cash shortage worsens misery

A shortage of banknotes in Gaza is causing chaos, with only a few ATMs operational in the southern city of Rafah. Residents are facing long waits and sometimes paying fees to access cash, as armed gangs exploit the situation. The conflict has led to a lack of liquidity in the enclave, with hundreds of millions of shekels stuck in bank vaults. Essential goods remain scarce, and some merchants are profiteering from the shortage by charging high commissions. Gaza’s economy relies heavily on Israel, which has blocked cash imports since the start of the war.

Holguin, ’s departure raises doubts (Update 2)

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Holguin, ’s departure raises doubts (Update 2)

Fact: Disy MP Averof Neophytou criticized the Christodoulides government for inaction, stating that the state leadership has confined itself to the role of observer and commentator.

Mandatory safety training for construction workers implemented

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Mandatory safety training for construction workers implemented

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou signed off on a compulsory provision guaranteeing safety and health training for all construction industry workers in the country. The ‘Safe Pass’ card will serve as proof of basic safety and health training at worksites.

‘, Haircut’ depositors compensation platform reopened

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‘, Haircut’ depositors compensation platform reopened

An online platform for depositors affected by the 2013 “haircut” will reopen on Tuesday, allowing private clients of Bank of Cyprus and Laiki Bank to apply for compensation. Applicants must have a Cypriot identity card or residence permit for Cyprus, and the platform will be available until May 25. Compensated applicants are estimated to receive around €8,000 for each €100,000 lost, with approximately 30,000 eligible customers.

How Did the TCJA Affect Corporate Tax Revenues?

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How Did the TCJA Affect Corporate Tax Revenues?

Fact: The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) lowered the top corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, leading to a sharp drop in corporate tax revenues initially, but they returned to pre-TCJA levels starting in 2021.

Can investment tax reform boost economic growth? – Economics Observatory

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Can investment tax reform boost economic growth? - Economics Observatory

Taxation, especially on capital income such as corporate and capital gains taxes, can reduce investment, distort resource allocation, and hinder economic growth. High government debt and stagnant productivity in the UK make the relationship between tax policies and growth crucial. One way to increase growth could be through tax reforms that promote investment and innovation without significantly reducing government revenue. Expanding full expensing to all forms of investments and adjusting dividend and capital gains tax rates could be potential strategies to boost growth. The balance between higher revenues from corporate income taxes and increased investment from dividend and capital gains taxes is a significant challenge for policymakers.

Larnaca pleads for information about long-awaited marina project

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Larnaca pleads for information about long-awaited marina project

Larnaca municipality is calling on the transport minister to clarify the status of the local marina and port development project, which is in dispute with the concession holder, Kition Ocean Holdings.