A pedestrian leaves the entrance of the headquarters of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) building in Islamabad — AFP/File Focus on growth, not taxes. Vietnam’s standard corporate tax rate is 20 per cent and preferential tax rates are as low as 10 per cent, depending on factors like investment size and location. High-tech enterprises … Read more
The Sapeurs, known for their offbeat and baroque sartorial style, originated in Central Africa around 1919-1920. They participate in parades and competitions to showcase their skills and abilities in dressing up. The movement gained momentum in the 1950s and expanded to Europe in the 1970s. Sapeurs seek social recognition through luxury brands and use clothing to make a political statement for dignity. They aim to create ambiance and encourage sociability through their colorful and luxurious outfits.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s armed forces successfully repelled an attempted coup d’etat involving both Congolese and foreign fighters. The coup attempt was put down, with the attackers, including their leader, being neutralized. The presidential palace was attacked, but the army regained control. Two guards and an assailant were killed in an attack on the home of Vital Kamerhe, a potential speaker of parliament. The United States embassy issued a security alert due to ongoing security activity in the area. Christian Malanga, allegedly based in the United States, posted a video claiming responsibility for the attack, expressing dissatisfaction with the current government. President Felix Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term, but has yet to name a government, causing political tensions.
On May 17, 1900, a small British cavalry force relieved the garrison at Mafeking after a 217-day siege by Dutch-speaking Boer settlers.
Countries in Africa have implemented various tax policy measures in the last 3 years, including new taxes on different sectors, increased taxes on certain goods and services, and changes to tax exemptions.
Donald Trump held a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where some of his supporters camped out overnight in their cars to see him. Trump’s rallies are a key feature of his campaign, designed to create an emotional experience for his base and attract new supporters. The rallies are meticulously planned and Trump is involved in every detail, including the music. Attendees register with the campaign to attend the rallies, which are also used to collect data, attract media coverage, and recruit volunteers. The rallies are held in battleground states like Wisconsin, where Trump narrowly lost to Biden in 2020. The events are carefully stagecrafted to entertain the crowd and reinforce Trump’s message that the country needs to be fixed. During the rally, Trump repeated false claims about the 2020 election being stolen and made promises about deportations and building a wall. The speech had a religious tone and included pledges of loyalty and protection between Trump and his supporters. The rally ended with Trump exiting the stage to an R&B song.
An anti-racist protest has been announced by migrant and local activist groups in Nicosia on Saturday. The protest is in response to racial discrimination in Cyprus and the recent death of a young migrant from Bangladesh. The protest will take place at Solomou Square at 12 noon on Saturday, 20 April. The announcement calls for the recognition of migrants as human beings and the end of stigmatization and discrimination against them.
Rwanda’s president led commemorations to mark 30 years since the 1994 genocide that killed over 1 million people.
Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in his Easter Sunday address.
– Cyprus ranked 50th in the World Happiness Report, falling four spots from the previous year.
– The report covers 143 countries and notes Cyprus’s decline in happiness rankings over the past two years, from a high of 41st place.
– According to the report, younger people in Cyprus (under 30s) rank 51st in happiness, while those over 60 rank 57th.
– Finland is ranked as the happiest country for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
– Cyprus ranks higher in happiness than neighboring countries Greece (64th) and Turkey (98th).
– Afghanistan is ranked as the least happy country, with Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and the Congo also in the bottom five.