The Indian government’s move to impose a three-tiered tax on popcorn, based on its sugar or spice content, has caused tempers to pop during the holiday shopping season, with social media users roasting the decision and experts warning of deeper cracks in the country’s complex tax system. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by the finance minister and including state representatives, announced on Saturday that with immediate effect, non-branded popcorn mixed with salt and spices would attract a 5 per cent GST, pre-packaged and branded popcorn 12 per cent, and caramel popcorn, categorised as a sugar confectionery, 18 per cent. The announcement was met with scorn online, with local media highlighting a now-deleted viral post made by a start-up founder on social media platform Reddit complaining about the
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Dec
William Kabogo said he is ready to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy The former Kiambu governor pledged to directly engage with Kenyans, travelling across the country to monitor the implementation of key projects Kabogo called on all Kenyans to support the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government’s development agenda Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya. Nairobi—William Kabogo, the former Kiambu Governor and nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, has committed to delivering fair and equitable services to all Kenyans. Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo was recently nominated to the Cabinet. Photo: William Kabogo.Source: UGC What did William Kabogo pledge to Kenyans? Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Kabogo emphasised
Dec
Hoodlums have attacked the Palace of Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Dauda-Shelika, the Nyamkpa fourth, and burnt his car as well as some valuable properties in his residence. The palace which is located at New Layout, Lokoja the Kogi state capital, was on Saturday allegedly attacked by hoodlums at about 1:00 am while the monarch narrowly escaped by scaling the fence. The attack follows the plans by Nupe Natives of the Lokoja Development Union to host the second Edition of Nupe Natives end of the year event, tagged: “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta” slated to be held on December 21, 2024. The event was aborted due to the unfortunate attack when many Nupe natives from neighbouring states started arriving on the eve of the occasion. Narrating his ordeal, the monarch said, it
Dec
A “technical issue” disrupted American Airlines flights nationwide on Tuesday. December 24, 2024, 7:15 AM A “technical issue” disrupted American Airlines flights nationwide early on Tuesday, the airline said, at the start of a busy Christmas Eve for travelers around the country. The Federal Aviation Administration said American requested a ground stop for all its flights. “We’re currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights,” the airline wrote in a post to X. The post added, “Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we’ll have you safely on your way to your destination.” Replying to questions from other social media users, the airline said it was not able to estimate how long the fix would take. An American Airlines passenger plane is parked at a
Spokesperson for the national Department of Health, Foster Mohale said these counterfeit condoms do not have verified efficacy. “As the department we are concerned about these reports of fake condoms because they not certified by the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) through quality control tests to provide the required protection against sexually transmitted infections including the HIV and unplanned pregnancies,” Mohale said on Saturday. Condoms are one of the most viable and safe methods of contraception, which carry the promise of safe sex. “Counterfeit condoms pose severe public health risks, including the failure to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, thus putting the lives of innocent consumers and users at risk,” said Mohale. “As the department, we will work closely with the private sector that sells condoms to
Dec
There is a general mood that the future is brighter than the immediate past, bringing unique opportunities to chart a positive momentum. By ROBERT SINGER DECEMBER 20, 2024 16:30 Israelis protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip near Yokneam, northern Israel, November 30, 2024. (photo credit: Dor Pazuelo/Flash90) As 2024 draws to a close, the latest survey conducted by the Center for Jewish Impact, in collaboration with the Geocartography Knowledge Group, paints a sobering yet insightful picture of Israeli public sentiment. The survey, which canvassed 500 Israeli men and women across diverse sectors of society, reveals both pressing concerns and glimpses of hope, capturing a nation navigating complex challenges at home and abroad. One of the most striking findings from the survey is the widespread
Dec
“Ukraine needs more air defense systems,” Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said. December 20, 2024, 3:24 AM LONDON — A Russian missile strike killed one person and wounded nine others early on Friday morning, Ukrainian officials said, an attack that U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink described as “brutal.” “Early this morning Russia launched a ballistic missile attack against the capital, killing a civilian and resulting in debris and fires around the city,” Brink said in a statement on social media. Brink added that the United States and its partners were “surging security assistance and energy support” to the country “in response to these brutal attacks.” A view shows buildings damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Dec. 20, 2024. State Emergency Service Of Ukraine via
Dec
Minogue pays tribute as Ball hosts final breakfast show Zoe Ball: “It’s time to step away from the early alarm call” Zoe Ball has described presenting Radio 2’s breakfast show as “an absolute privilege”, as she signed off from her final programme. The 54-year-old announced her departure in November, saying that after “six incredible years” it was “time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family”. Kylie Minogue and David Tennant are among the stars who paid tribute to Ball on the show. In a pre-recorded message, singer Minogue said: “Thank you for an incredible six years. The nation loves you and I love you, and every time I’ve been in to see you, it’s been so much fun. “We’ve danced around the studio
![Myanmar's military seized power in a 2021 coup and a grinding civil war since has forced millions to flee [File: Zainal Abidin/EPA]](https://esbecgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sri-Lanka-Navy-rescues-over-100-Rohingya-adrift-in-the-Indian-Ocean.jpg)
The 102 refugees, including 25 children, were taken to Sri Lanka’s eastern port of Trincomalee. More than 100 Rohingya refugees from war-torn Myanmar have been rescued while adrift on a fishing trawler off the Indian Ocean island nation by Sri Lanka’s navy, bringing them safely to port. The 102 people, including 25 children, were taken to Sri Lanka’s eastern port of Trincomalee, a navy spokesman said on Friday. “Medical checks have to be done before they are allowed to disembark,” the spokesman said. The Muslim-majority ethnic Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar and thousands risk their lives each year on long sea journeys, the majority heading southeast to Malaysia or Indonesia. But fisherman spotted the drifting trawler off Sri Lanka’s northern coast at Mullivaikkal at dawn on Thursday. The navy spokesman said
The Anti-Corruption Preparatory Team established by President-elect John Dramani Mahama has introduced new platforms to encourage public reporting of corruption. Dubbed Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), the initiative aims to combat corruption and state capture as part of the incoming administration’s efforts to promote accountability. Reporting channels A press statement by the Mahama Transition Team, spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the launch of interactive and secure platforms for citizens to report suspected acts of corruption. “Members of the public wishing to share any information on suspected acts of corruption can reach the team on the toll-free number 0800 900 111, its website, www.oralgh.org, or via email through [email protected],” the statement outlined. The public was further assured that “information sent to the team will be handled expeditiously
Dec
So many are suffering from the consequences that war has; not only war, but watching friends, family, and loved ones be decimated on October 7. By JPOST EDITORIAL DECEMBER 20, 2024 05:54 Tired pensive military man feeling worry and despair overhead view. Psychological trauma and PTSD treatment at therapy session. Tired pensive military man feeling worry and despair overhead view (photo credit: INGIMAGE) A handful of research, reviews, and data have come out in the aftermath of October 7, exposing the mental health crisis Israel is currently experiencing, and it is devastating. Out of the thousands of lone soldiers who have served in the reserves since the start of the war and who need treatment, only 500 have received treatment. The Hostage Family Forum revealed that the psychological harm of
Dec
‘The doors are open for IS’ – Syria’s Kurds warn over advance by Turkish-backed forces BBC/Matthew Goddard The BBC was granted rare access to the largest prison for IS detainees – Al Sina – which holds some 5,000 men As the new Syria struggles to take shape, old threats are re-emerging. The chaos since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad is “paving the way” for the so-called Islamic State (IS) to make a comeback, according to a leading Kurdish commander who helped defeat the jihadist group in Syria in 2019. He says the comeback has already begun. “Activity by Daesh [IS] has increased significantly, and the danger of a resurgence had doubled’, according to General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a mainly Kurdish militia alliance backed by
Dec
Katz also threatened Halevi that he would freeze all potential high command appointments until he receives the probe results. By YONAH JEREMY BOB DECEMBER 19, 2024 14:12 Israel Katz attends a replacing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem on November 10, 2024. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday told IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi that all October 7 disaster probes must be finished by the end of January. Katz also threatened Halevi that he would freeze all potential high command appointments until he receives the probe results. The defense minister has blocked multiple mid-level appointments recently, saying that the officers in question could not be promoted until their role in the October 7, 2023 disaster was clarified. This latest move by
Douglas Jai Chilufya, also known as Boyka, is very famous among African MMA fans. However, few people know how much hard work and determination was needed to achieve such success, as well as the important role of the 1xBet brand brand in the fighter’s career. Jai is currently the strongest mixed martial arts fighter and one of Zambia’s top athletes. His technical and entertaining style brought him several important MMA titles at the continental level and helped him win the love of fans in Zambia. Jai continues his development and actively promotes MMA to the youth. Through his example, the fighter encourages young Africans who could very well become the next Francis Ngannou! Rehabilitation with the support of 1xBet In the midst of his preparations for the African MMA Championships
Dec
Police destroy 100 dogs a month after XL bully ban Alamy Police have seized and destroyed hundreds of dogs since the ban on XL bullies came into force Police have destroyed more than 100 dangerous dogs a month on average since XL bullies were banned nearly a year ago, the BBC has learned. Forces in England and Wales say the costs of kennelling thousands of seized dogs, often for months at a time, have risen sixfold to £25m a year and many facilities were at capacity. But in many areas dog attacks show no sign of falling. Of the 25 police forces that responded to BBC Freedom of Information Act requests, 22 said they were on course to see more reported incidents this year. Lisa Willis, who was mauled by