Latest news with #188
The Star
27-05-2025
- The Star
Bangladeshi man fined BND27,000 for contraband possession in Brunei
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Magistrate's Court yesterday handed a BND27,860 (US$21736) fine to a 41-year-old Bangladeshi man after he pleaded guilty to possessing smuggled cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. Md Deluar Hossain would have to serve 18 months' jail in default of payment of the fine. Magistrate Abdul 'Azim Othman heard that the defendant was apprehended by Customs preventive officers from the Brunei-Muara District Operations Unit under the Commercial and Law Enforcement Division during a raid at a workers' quarters in Kampong Sengkurong, Jalan Jerudong, on May 13 at around 8.15pm. The first charge against the defendant stated that he unlawfully possessed 21 cartons, 26 packets and 19 sticks of various types of cigarettes. The second charge stated that he illegally possessed 36 cans of assorted alcoholic beverages. All contraband items and BND1,188 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the sales of the illicit goods, were ordered forfeited to the state for further action. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Russell says F1 drivers want more than words from FIA boss
MIAMI: George Russell said Formula One drivers wanted more than words from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a lukewarm response to a mooted change in the rules concerning punishment for misconduct, including swearing. Ben Sulayem, the Emirati head of the governing body, said on Instagram this week that he was considering "improvements" to Appendix B of the FIA's International Sporting Code after feedback from drivers across several series. Rally drivers had been up in arms over stiff fines imposed for swearing, as had their F1 contemporaries. Asked at the Miami Grand Prix on Thursday if he saw Ben Sulayem's words as a positive step, Mercedes driver Russell – a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) – replied: "Conceptually, yes. "But obviously we want to see these things put into action rather than saying 'we're considering things'. We all consider a lot of things. "We're clear, we want changes. And once they are implemented, then we'll comment on it. But for the time being it's being considered. The words don't mean anything until the change has been made." Appendix B covers stewards' penalty guidelines, setting out punishments for misconduct including words, deeds or writings that might have caused moral injury to the FIA or motorsport in general. A first offence in Formula One incurs a €40,000 (RM196,188) fine, rising to €80,000 for the second and €120,000 with a one-month suspension and deduction of championship points for a third breach. Ben Sulayem's term in office runs out this year and he is expected to seek renewal. No rival candidate has emerged to date. "It'll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard," said Russell. "And I think it's just in the best interest for the sport and ensuring that some common sense is sort of applied to these situations," he added. "But as I said, I think all of us can comment on it when we see the action being taken, rather than just the consideration." Russell said the GPDA was set up to talk about safety rather than politics but he was now talking more and more about other subjects. "We find ourselves in a time where we're not focused on the things why we're all here," he added.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
First-time buyers dominate South African property market in 2025
First-time buyers now account for 72.71% of the South African property market, reflecting increased confidence and favourable conditions for new entrants in 2025. First-time buyers now make up 72.71% of the market – an increase from 71.34% the year before – suggesting growing confidence among new entrants, according to the latest home loan stats released by MyProperty Home Loans. The statistics, comparing March 2024 to March 2025, and the results point to significant changes in the South African property landscape. The stats reveal that most notably, despite financial pressure stemming from the March National Budget, there were also some wins for homebuyers. The stats show that one of the more positive developments was the increase in the transfer duty exemption threshold. This, coupled with a reduced interest rate and zero transfer duty on properties priced below R1.2 million, has created a more favourable environment for first-time buyers compared to the same time last year. According to the data, the average purchase price for first-time buyers has risen slightly from R1,188,663 to R1,215,522. Meanwhile, the average bond amount approved jumped significantly from R1,029,192 to R1,567,694. At the same time, the average deposit required across all buyer categories also saw a sharp increase, rising from R159,471 to R352, figures align with broader market shifts. The average age of first-time buyers now sits at 39, highlighting a trend towards older South Africans entering the property market for the first time – possibly a result of extended financial constraints or a shift in life planning priorities. Another encouraging sign for buyers is the prime lending rate, which decreased from 11.75% to 11%, offering some relief on monthly repayments. Additionally, bond approval rates by applicants' banks edged up slightly, from 52.24% to 52.61%, pointing to a marginally more favourable lending climate. 'The data reflects a resilient property market with first-time buyers leading the charge,' said Michael-Anne Abrahams of MyProperty Home Loans. 'With improved lending conditions and increased consumer confidence, now is an opportune time for prospective homeowners to enter the market". With more supportive policies and shifting buyer demographics, 2025 may shape up to be a pivotal year for property in South Africa. PERSONAL FINANCE
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alpine School District approves $238 million bond to build two new schools
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) — The Alpine School District voted unanimously to approve a new $238 million bond for the building of two new schools in the western half of the district. Voting during their board meeting on April 22, the ASD board heard from residents who expressed concerns over overcrowding in the schools they currently had, and the need for more space for student mental health. 'This bond is desperately needed,' Eden Davenport, resident of Saratoga Springs, said during the meeting. 'I have seen firsthand the negative implication that overcrowded schools have. I have the difficulties that some of our children face making social connections because our schools are at maximum capacity.' The bond has become apart a timeline of events that began back in 2024 when the district voted to split itself into three separate districts. As a part of the new 'West District,' the bond will fund the building of a new elementary school, and a new high school in Saratoga Springs. Unlike other bonds, the district is issuing 'lease revenue bonds,' which are bonds that primarily funded by leases of public facilities. PREVIOUS: Alpine School District split: Here are the proposed boundaries ahead of final vote As a part of S.B. 188, School District Modifications, which was passed in the 2025 General Session, opened up more options for school districts to raise funds for new buildings and other expenses, including lease revenue bonding. With the future split in mind, the bond itself won't be on ASD forever. The bill also specified that these bonds issued after Nov. 4, 2024, will fall on the new district to fund and pay for once they are formed in 2027. The public comment for the bonds was brief, with only three residents commenting on the proposal. One resident came with concerns regarding the debt burden that the past bonds, and now passed bond will put on residents in the area. 'You're tripling [the bond] just because you can,' John Gad, a resident of the district, told board members in opposition to resolution. 'Which is a really horrible reason to take out debt for the next 31 years. Debt that I am going to be paying, and kids who aren't even born yet are going to be paying property taxes on this debt you are going to be deciding on.' Alpine had originally approved increases to property taxes back in 2023, and 2024. However, with this new funding, they are hoping to be able to provide the funding needed to build the proposed new schools. Along with approving the bond, the ASD school board also approved the purchase of land in both Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs for the proposed schools. In total, the district approved the purchase of 83 acres of land. Alpine School District approves $238 million bond to build two new schools Is AI behind mistaken visa revocations, self-deport emails? Utah expert weighs in Beef & Pasta with Asian Peanut Sauce Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport How to replace your triggers with glimmers Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hans India
24-04-2025
- Hans India
STF arrests 3, seizes 23 kg hashish oil
Paderu (ASR District): The Special Task Force (STF) Central team seized 23 kilograms of hashish oil in Maradapalli village under Pedabayalu mandal of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district. The operation, conducted under the jurisdiction of the Paderu Police Station House Officer (SHO), resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the unearthing of an extensive supply chain with suspected links to Odisha. The arrested include Vantala Mahesh, a habitual offender previously booked under Crime No 188/21 of V Madugula Police Station, along with Chinna Rao and Kurra Dasu, identified as a key supplier. Investigations have revealed that hashish oil was being sourced from neighbouring Odisha. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend two more suppliers from Odisha and a local receiver within the ASR district. Officials explained that the production of one kilogram of hashish oil requires 20 to 30 kilograms of ganja. The oil, extracted by boiling ganja leaves with petroleum jelly and filtering the vaporised mixture through muslin cloth has a high street value estimated at Rs 90,000 per kilogram. The STF has intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts in the region to stem the flow of narcotic substances. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Excise Commissioner Nishant Kumar and Enforcement Director Rahul Dev Sharma, following directives from Principal Secretary (Excise and GAD – Political) Mukesh Kumar Meena.
