Online public platform to monitor government
Next week undersecretary to the president Ireni Piki will announce an online platform called diakivernisi.org.cy where people can follow the government’s implementation of its action plan.
government
Flash floods, landslide kill at least 45 in central Kenya
Flash floods and a landslide in central Kenya killed at least 45 people and injured over 110 others.
Urging Lawmakers to Do Better for Business
The governor’s proposed budget for FY25 includes a new “truck traffic excise fee” targeting businesses in New Jersey’s transportation and logistics industry.
Malaysia, OCI’s base to beat Chinese polysilicon rivals – KED Global
OCI Group is expanding its polysilicon facility in Malaysia to compete with Chinese rivals, taking advantage of low utility bills, labor costs, and taxes in the country. The company plans to increase its manufacturing capacity of solar-grade polysilicon to 56,000 tons a year by 2027. Malaysia offers benefits such as lower electricity costs, corporate taxes, and labor costs compared to South Korea. OCIM has also benefited from US sanctions on Chinese polysilicon.
UAE corporate tax to bolster future economic sustainability: MoF
– The UAE has introduced a federal corporate tax to strengthen its economic future.
– The tax policy aligns with international standards and aims to solidify the UAE’s position as a global financial center.
– Corporate tax rates are set at 0% for annual incomes up to AED375,000 and 9% beyond that threshold.
– The UAE is committed to sustainable development goals and has reformed tax policies to support economic growth and inclusivity.
– The UAE has joined the BEPS programme and supports global tax fairness initiatives.
– Regulatory decisions have been made to guide the implementation of the corporate tax law in the UAE.
– The Ministry of Finance is conducting public awareness sessions to ensure understanding of the new tax law.
82-year-old shooter likely , ‘to be pardoned’
An 82-year-old man who was jailed for shooting a cable thief is expected to receive a presidential pardon. He had been sentenced to two and a half years behind bars for intending to cause serious bodily harm and using a firearm. The shooting took place in the Limassol village of Alassa, where the man fired a shot at the thief, hitting him in the back. The thief was hospitalized but later made a full recovery.
Greece convicts six and clears 15 over deadly blaze
A man was convicted of involuntary arson for his role in Greece’s deadliest wildfire in memory, and five former fire officials were found guilty of misdemeanours linked to their response to the 2018 blaze.
Audit Office calls for revised study on Pentakomo development to protect seals
The Audit Office has requested a revised site allocation study for proposed marine farm facilities in the Moni-Vassiliko area due to the area’s significance for the Mediterranean monk seal. Plans to develop aquaculture facilities in the environmentally sensitive area are facing scrutiny, with a project tender issued for €34 million. The Audit Office recommends updating the National Action Plan for Monk Seal Conservation and ensuring public access to relevant assessments. Delays in project implementation could risk losing funding. The Audit Office criticizes the lack of detail in alternative locations considered in a previous study and recommends a revised study to address the gap. The Department of Environment’s pre-screening report for the Environmental Impact Assessment is criticized for not adequately considering the importance of the area for the Mediterranean monk seal. The proposed project aims to serve seven of the nine existing marine aquaculture farms in Cyprus, providing necessary support infrastructure.
AKEL leader says President does not respond to opposition’s letters
Stefanos Stefanou, the General Secretary of AKEL, expressed disappointment that President Christodoulides has not responded to letters sent by the opposition. Stefanou sent a letter regarding a Ministry of Education circular on memorial events for the Turkish invasion, which omitted references to the preceding coup against Archbishop Makarios. He is still waiting for the President’s response and criticized the lack of communication from government ministers as well. Stefanou emphasized the importance of receiving a response, especially when serious issues are at hand.
20 years since the issuance of the Green Line regulation
The EU regulation on the Green Line in Cyprus, issued 20 years ago, has allowed Greek and Turkish Cypriots to cross the Green Line and the UN buffer zone, fostering trust between communities. Over 64 million crossings have occurred since 2004, for various reasons like visiting friends and conducting trade. The regulation also facilitates trade between the northern and southern parts of the island, with efforts by the European Commission leading to a significant increase in trade value. To further support trade across the Green Line, a €4 million support program was launched in 2024.