government

Guest commentary California needs higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy

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President Biden proposed to reverse the 2017 Trump tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans by raising the corporate tax rate, denying tax breaks for corporations whose CEOs earn more than million in annual compensation, and requiring billionaires to pay at least 25 percent of their income in taxes. California faces a billion budget deficit and has a regressive tax system, with the lowest income earners paying the largest share of taxes. State and local governments can take action to ensure the ultra-wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share by ending tax breaks, increasing the corporate tax rate, and implementing a wealth tax on extreme wealth. Governor Newsom opposes the wealth tax, but public pressure is building with a majority of California voters supporting the idea.

As collection soars, govt must focus on widening the tax net

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As collection soars, govt must focus on widening the tax net

Direct tax revenues rose by 18 percent in 2023-24, while goods and services tax collections crossed Rs 20 lakh crore for the first time with a 12 percent growth. The government has been successful in plugging loopholes in the tax system, but needs to widen the tax net to bring more people under it. Personal income tax collection grew by 25 percent, exceeding corporate tax collections in absolute terms. The government should strive for higher collection through both personal income taxes and corporate taxes in the long run. Technology and measures like TCS and TDS have helped bring more people under the tax net, but efforts should not be overzealous.

Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes

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Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes

Dozens of people were taken into custody during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Yale University. More than 40 people were apprehended by police as they blocked traffic around Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, demanding the school divest from military weapons manufacturers. The protests at Yale and Columbia were in response to the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began on Oct. 7. The Columbia University president canceled in-person classes to deescalate tensions on its New York campus following the arrest of over 100 protesters who disrupted school activities. President Joe Biden has put the full force of the federal government behind protecting the Jewish community. Student organizers from the Columbia University encampment responded to claims of antisemitism in the pro-Palestinian protests, stating that some individuals did not represent their movement.

Earlier teaching of sex ed , ‘could have saved many children’

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Earlier teaching of sex ed , ‘could have saved many children’

Fact: Over 1,000 children in Cyprus are estimated to be victims of sexual abuse every year.

No cost to Cypriots until Great Sea Connector is operational

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No cost to Cypriots until Great Sea Connector is operational

Cypriot consumers should not pay anything for the Great Sea Interconnector until the project is operational.

Christodoulides touts , ‘daring reforms’ in health sector

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Christodoulides touts , ‘daring reforms’ in health sector

President Nikos Christodoulides announced forthcoming daring reforms in Cyprus’ health sector, including the creation of an ombudsman to ensure the implementation of the 14 principles of the European patients’ rights charter. The reforms aim to protect Gesy, the largest social reform in Cyprus, and address current issues faced by the healthcare system. The President emphasized the importance of listening to people’s needs and defending patients’ rights.

Ministers call for collective ocean action ahead of COP29

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Ministers call for collective ocean action ahead of COP29

Delegates attending the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting in Cyprus on April 19 have committed to advancing their discussions at upcoming global summits.

Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)

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Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)

Fact: The Audit Office reported the Legal Service to the European Commission and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (Intosai) due to allegations of threats, revenge, and efforts to remove the auditor general from his post.

Audit Office slams inaction over illegal livestock farms

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Audit Office slams inaction over illegal livestock farms

The Audit Office criticized the veterinary services for not taking action against illegal livestock farms operating on protected land, specifically mentioning a large unregistered farm in the Chanoutaris Cliffs special protection zone in Paphos.

UK judge dismisses case against climate activist who held up sign outside trial

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UK judge dismisses case against climate activist who held up sign outside trial

A judge in London ruled that a climate activist should not be prosecuted for holding a placard outside a criminal court telling jurors they could acquit defendants according to their conscience. Judge Pushpinder Saini dismissed the case, stating that criminal prosecution was a disproportionate approach that interfered with the activist’s right to freedom of expression. Warner displayed the sign to inform jurors of their rights and to challenge judges who she believed were acting unlawfully. The attempted prosecution of Warner is part of a wider crackdown on protest movements in Britain and Europe, particularly in relation to environmental activism and climate change protests.