Need to reform effective tax rate regime: FICCI president

Need to reform effective tax rate regime: FICCI president

Despite some significant positive changes in the proposed budget, foreign investors in Bangladesh still have major concerns about the effective income tax rate, which exceeds 40% in some cases, leaders of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) said. “Despite the decrease in the corporate tax rate, the effective tax rate here in … Read more

Police announce strict checks, awareness week

Police announce strict checks, awareness week

The Police announced an awareness week and stricter checks on distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones while driving, to reduce serious and fatal injuries in road traffic collisions and raise awareness among drivers. Nationwide traffic checks will take place from June 2 to June 9, 2024. Driver distraction is a significant factor in road accidents, limiting reaction time in emergencies. Studies show that using a mobile phone while driving reduces maintaining correct position, speed, reaction time, judgment, and overall perception of traffic movement. Driver distraction was the primary cause of fatal and serious road traffic collisions from 2021 to 2023. Zero tolerance will be enforced for traffic violations that contribute to fatal and serious accidents.

Court binds Oroklini weapons cache suspects to trial, seeks motive

Court binds Oroklini weapons cache suspects to trial, seeks motive

Two men, aged 46 and 35, were remanded in custody and committed for trial on July 1 in connection with a large weapons cache found in an Oroklini cemetery. The defendants face serious charges related to possessing explosives and firearms without a license. The cache, believed to be linked to underworld figures, included an array of weapons such as missiles, explosives, and a silenced pistol. Police are awaiting forensic results to determine if the weapons were used in past crimes and to identify potential accomplices through fingerprints or DNA evidence. Bail was rejected for both suspects, who will await trial in Central Prisons.

Education ministry working on mobile phone ban in secondary schools

Education ministry working on mobile phone ban in secondary schools

The education ministry in Cyprus is working on a bill to introduce the same penalties for secondary school students using mobile phones in class as those currently enforced in primary schools.

The $5 trillion AI boom could both succeed and fizzle

The $5 trillion AI boom could both succeed and fizzle

Investors are pouring billions of dollars into AI companies, with the market capitalization of major tech giants increasing significantly since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. However, the income generated by AI remains relatively small compared to the investments being made. The promise of future riches has led to forecasts of up to trillion needed for advanced semiconductors, data centers, and power to train and run AI models. Similar investment booms have occurred in the past with industries like railways and telecom, but they often resulted in financial disappointment for investors. The AI boom also comes with risks such as the short lifespan of AI models, potential commoditization of advances, and government regulations that could limit profits.

Origins of recovered military-grade weapons investigated

Origins of recovered military-grade weapons investigated

– The G3 military rifle found in an Oroklini cemetery did not originate from the national guard, but likely came from the Turkish army.
– The recovered weapons included a rocket launcher, cartridges, a pistol with a silencer, and improvised explosive devices, one of which was connected to a mobile phone.
– The bust was described as possibly the largest number of weapons and explosives found in Cyprus to date.
– Two men, aged 46 and 35, were remanded in connection with the case after being seen taking items from the grave where the weapons were stored.
– Police are examining all possibilities regarding the origin and purposes for which the arms were intended.

Drug squad followed largest-ever arms cache suspects for hours

Drug squad followed largest-ever arms cache suspects for hours

Two men, aged 46 and 35, were arrested and remanded for eight days after the largest cache of weapons and explosives ever found in Cyprus was discovered at a cemetery in Oroklini.

Cyprus road deaths rise; pedestrians, foreigners affected more

Cyprus road deaths rise; pedestrians, foreigners affected more

Road fatalities in Cyprus have increased in 2024, despite efforts to improve safety with traffic cameras and campaigns. There has been a 41% rise in road deaths compared to the same period in 2023, with most fatalities now occurring in urban areas due to drivers using mobile phones. Alcohol-related deaths are down, but complaints about speeding and inattention persist. Limassol and Nicosia have the highest number of fatalities this year, while Paphos has had no deaths. Pedestrians and foreign nationals are disproportionately affected by the increase in accidents.

Remands after , ‘largest ever’ weapons cache found (updated)

Remands after , ‘largest ever’ weapons cache found (updated)

Two men, aged 46 and 35, were remanded in custody after the largest cache of weapons and explosives ever found in Cyprus was discovered in an Oroklini cemetery. The weapons included a rocket launcher, improvised explosive devices, and firearms. Police are investigating the origin and intended purposes of the arms, and have ruled out a terrorist attack. The 46-year-old man was seen taking a bag containing weapons from a grave, while the 35-year-old was also seen removing items from the same grave. The investigation includes examining CCTV footage, monitoring National Guard camps, and further examining the explosives found.