Latest news with #309
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Over 1,100 wild animals seized in crackdown on poaching and trafficking
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,118 wild animals were seized through Op Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) by the federal police Wildlife Crime Control Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) throughout 2023 and this year. A spokesman from the bureau said the seizures involved various species believed to be illegally traded or used in illegal hunting activities. "A total of 735 animals were seized in 2023, with a seizure value of RM8,087,100, while in 2024, a total of 383 animals were seized, valued at RM6,309,290.20," he said. He said that over the two-year period, a total of 89 people had been arrested, comprising 71 men and 18 women, comprising locals and foreigners from Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Vietnam. "In 2023, the arrests involved 34 men and five women, including Malaysians and seven Indonesians, while the following year saw the arrests of 28 men and 10 local women, along with several foreigners. "Among the items seized were five firearm barrels, 78 rounds of ammunition, and 30 cages believed to be used in hunting and wildlife trafficking," he said. He said statistics showed that wildlife poaching and smuggling activities remain rampant and have not shown any signs of decline. "We believe many of these cases are orchestrated by local residents who rely on forest products as a source of illegal income. "Operations will be intensified with the cooperation of various enforcement agencies to ensure that national treasures are not further looted by syndicates and poachers. "The WCB/PSK Bureau will continue to play a role in identifying syndicate networks and taking strict action against those involved," he added.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
Operator & aide held for Rs5 lakh ATM theft in Noida
Noida: An ATM operator employed with a cash management company in the city and his accomplice have been arrested for allegedly stealing Rs 5 lakh from a cash van during an ATM refill operation. The theft came to light after CCTV footage from inside the van showed the custodian breaking the seal of a cash bag and pocketing the money. The accused Raghav Akash, worked with Hitachi Cash Refill, a company responsible for refilling ATMs across Noida. Akash and his associate were arrested by officers from Phase-1 police station on Tuesday. According to SHO Amit Maan of Phase-1 police station, the company, based in Sector 2, routinely sends out vans with cash to replenish ATMs. "Akash went out in a van carrying Rs 24 lakh to refill multiple ATMs across the city. But when he returned in the evening, a discrepancy of Rs 5 lakh was noted in the records," SHO Maan said. Company officials said that when Akash was questioned about the missing amount, he failed to provide a clear explanation. A case was registered against the duo under BNS Section 309 .
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Psychiatrist Jawarkar dies by suicide in Akola
Akola: Leading psychiatrist Dr Prashant Jawarkar, associated with 'Sanmitra Hospital', died by suicide at his residence in New Tapadia Nagar on Saturday. According to preliminary information, he injected some poisonous substance to end his life. The news has sent shockwaves through Akola's medical and social circles, as Dr Jawarkar was known for counseling thousands suffering from psychological distress. Dr Jawarkar is survived by wife Vandana Jawarkar, a 14-year-old son Kartik, and a daughter studying in Pune. Sources said that his wife is currently undergoing treatment at City Hospital due to severe mental shock. Earlier in the day, Dr Jawarkar attended his routine duties at Sanmitra Hospital. He reportedly handed over the medical store keys to the hospital staff telling them that he would be back from home shortly. Moments later, he took the fatal step at his residence. Civil Lines police registered an accidental death report (ADR). No suicide note has been recovered, and a preliminary scan of his mobile phone yielded no significant clues. His body was taken to his native place in Amravati district for the last rites. Police sources said Dr Jawarkar had previously attempted suicide in 2022. A case under IPC Section 309 (attempt to suicide) was registered then and a charge sheet was submitted to the court. While he survived that incident, this time the act proved fatal. Investigators are now examining all possible motives, as no conclusive reason has yet emerged. The incident has reignited debates around the stress faced by medical professionals, particularly those working in mental health. Senior psychiatrist Dr Lad said, "When caregivers themselves succumb to psychological pressure, it forces us to introspect on the gaps in our support systems. Doctors and counselors are human too—they face stress and deserve the same attention to mental well-being as their patients. "
Business Recorder
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget 2025-26: KCCI urges govt to expand tax net, targets 4.6mn unregistered entities
Frustrated by the rising tax burden on already compliant businesses, Pakistan's business community has called on the government to expand the tax net by bringing 4.6 million identified but unregistered industrial and commercial entities into the tax net, instead of imposing additional duties on the existing taxpayers. The demand was made through budget proposals submitted by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to the Ministry of Finance ahead of the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26. KCCI noted that several businesses and individuals remain outside the tax net, despite being traceable through official data such as electricity and gas connections, vehicle and property registrations, travel and banking records. This gap results in an unfair tax regime, KCCI argues, overburdening compliant taxpayers and contributing to revenue shortfalls. 'For instance, data from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) till June 2024, indicates that there are 4.6 million commercial and industrial electricity connections, while only 396,383 entities are registered for sales tax.' Budget FY26: Sindh CM takes step aimed at finalising proposals, allocations 'This indicates the untapped potential within the system,' the business chamber highlighted in its proposals. KCCI urged the government to utilise available datasets, such as electricity records from Wapda and KE, to identify and register these entities. The chamber was of the view that integrating them into the tax net would enhance revenue collection, reduce reliance on punitive measures like the Further Tax, and promote equity and compliance within the tax system. As of November 6, 2024, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had received 5.215 million tax returns, showing a 76% year-on-year increase from 2.959 million filed during the same period in 2023. However, despite this improvement in compliance, the FBR collected Rs9,309 billion during July-April FY2024-25—falling short of its Rs10,130 billion target by Rs821 billion. The government has already revised the FBR's annual target downward, from Rs12,913 billion to Rs12,334 billion for the ongoing fiscal year. PCDMA submits budget proposals to FBR Nonetheless, a shortfall exceeding Rs600 billion is projected for the full year. Provisional figures suggest that the tax collection target for the upcoming FY2025-26 will be raised to around Rs14,300 billion, making it imperative for the government to broaden the tax base. In addition to urging a crackdown on unregistered taxpayers, KCCI recommended targeted tax relief and policy adjustments to support growth across various sectors. Proposals include introducing reforms to revive the real economy, reinstating zero-rating for local supplies under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), and abolishing taxes on shrimp broodstock to support seafood exports. The chamber also proposed reinstating zero-rating for gold, permitting gold exports with at least 20% value addition, and removing motorcycle and auto parts from the third schedule, classifying them as intermediate goods. Oil and gas sector tax proposals for Federal Budget 2025-26 For the tea industry, KCCI called for a review of existing policies and measures to curb revenue leakages. According to KCCI, these recommendations, if implemented, could ease the tax burden on compliant businesses, incentivise growth in key sectors, and help the government meet its ambitious revenue targets for the upcoming fiscal year. The federal government will present the next fiscal year's budget on June 2.
USA Today
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
President Donald Trump attends UFC 314 in Miami
President Donald Trump attends UFC 314 in Miami Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's annual physical health results to be released Sunday President Trump told the press on Air Force One he took cognitive test during his annual physical. "I got every answer right," he said. President Donald Trump walked into the Kaseya Center in Miami alongside UFC CEO Dana White for UFC 314 on Saturday. The Secret Service was reportedly already at the event earlier in the afternoon with dogs on hand before the president's arrival. Trump is no stranger to the mixed martial arts scene, having attended multiple events in the past, including UFC 302 and 309. UFC 314 live updates: Results, highlights for Volkanovski vs. Lopes card The UFC CEO is a friend to Trump. White introduced Trump on the stage on the final night of the 2024 Republican National Convention in July. Donald Trump arrives at UFC 314 Trump walked out and toward his seat with Kid Rock's "American Bad Ass" playing. Trump received a fairly positive reaction from the crowd in attendance. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
