Latest news with #SCT
India.com
11-07-2025
- India.com
SLPRB AP Police Constable 2025 Final Marks OUT At slprb.ap.gov.in- Check Direct Link Here
SLPRB AP Police Constable Final Marks 2025: The State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB), Andhra Pradesh has officially released the answer marks for the recruitment of the posts of SCT Police Constable (Civil) (Men & Women) and SCT Police Constable (APSP) (Men). All the candidates who have appeared for the Final Written Test (FWT) can now check their results through the official website, i.e. Candidates must know that scanned copies of OME sheets can also be downloaded now. And they can be accessed from 10th to 12th July, 2025 till 5 PM. A total of 37,600 candidates appeared for the examination and it took place across five centres, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur, Kurnool, and Tirupati. Out of total candidates who appeared, 33,921 candidates have successfully qualified the exam. SLPRB AP Police Constable Final Marks 2025; Direct Link to Check the Marks Step 1: Go to the official website- Step 2: You will find the link of 'Final Written Test Results for the post of SCT PC (Civil) and SCT PC (APSP)' on the homepage, click on it. Step 3: A new page will be opened to login in. Step 4: Enter the required details like your hall ticket number or registration number along with your date of birth, then submit it. Step 5: After submission, your new OMR sheets will appear on your screen. Step 6: Review your OMR sheets and check if there are any discrepancies and download them. Step 7: If you want to apply for the verification, then do it by requesting online and paying the fees of Rs. 1000. Step 8: Clearly mention any specific discrepancies you have noticed, along with your name, hall ticket number, and your father's name. You will receive the verification outcome through SMS and email. Candidates who need to update their personal details (excluding post and unit preferences) must send an email with the necessary supporting documents to between July 11 and July 17, 2025. Please note that any requests received after July 17 will not be considered. All the candidates are advised to keep checking the official website for all the important updates.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- New Indian Express
33,921 candidates qualify in cop recruitment exam in Andhra
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh State Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB) chairman Rajeev Kumar Meena on Thursday released the final results of the police constable recruitment examination. As per the press release, 37,600 candidates appeared for the final exam, out of which 33,921 successfully qualified. The recruitment was for SCT Police Constable (Civil) (Men & Women) and SCT Police Constable (APSP) (Men). Initially notified in November 2022, the process faced several delays due to legal and administrative reasons. The final written examination was held at five centres—Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur, Kurnool, and Tirupati. Candidates can check their results and download their data and marks from the official website Scanned OMR sheets will be available from July 10 to 12. Those seeking verification can apply online in the prescribed format by paying Rs 1,000. Chairman Meena warned candidates to beware of fraudsters and touts promising jobs through illegal means. He said recruitment is conducted strictly through transparent and reputable institutions, and no agency or individual can influence the process. He urged candidates not to fall prey to forged documents, fake websites, or misleading details.
DW
10-07-2025
- Business
- DW
Why is Vietnam cracking down on alcohol? – DW – 07/10/2025
Vietnam's alcohol tax hikes mark a bold public health push, but critics warn they could cripple the drinks industry. With authorities bracing for an aging population, public health is becoming a national concern. Vietnam's National Assembly last month approved plans to hike taxes on alcohol from 65% to 90% by 2031, a major step in the government's efforts to curb harmful consumption habits. The tax hike comes amid rising concerns within the ruling Communist Party about excessive drinking in Vietnam, with the authorities still struggling to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on drink-driving that was brought in in 2019. But the move is facing opposition from the alcohol industry. Even though Vietnam is Southeast Asia's second-largest beer market, according to a report by the consultancy group KPMG, the industry has been struggling with declining sales in recent years. Under the initial plans, taxes would have hit 80% in 2026 and rise to 100% by 2030. But it is thought that the authorities watered down the levies after lobbying from the alcohol industry. The Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on alcohol and beer will now rise from the current 65% to 70% by 2027 and ultimately to 90% by 2031. Lawmakers also approved a new tax of 8% on sugary drinks exceeding 5g/100ml of sugar that will take effect in 2027 and rise to 10% in 2028. Last year, alcohol industry bodies warned that the gradual tax rate hike could increase retail prices by at least 10% annually. Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, who has steered this law through parliament, has said that the higher taxes are necessary to address public health concerns. Alcohol consumption rates have steadily increased, from 2.9 liters of alcohol per person in 2005 to 7.9 liters in 2019, according to a report last year from the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It also found that alcohol is the second-highest cause of death in Vietnam. Angela Pratt, World Health Organization (WHO)representative in Vietnam, said in a statement that the global health body is "very pleased" that Vietnamese lawmakers have followed a "win-win" policy "of reducing the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks — and therefore reducing harm and health costs for decades to come — while generating additional revenue for key Government priorities." "Reducing consumption of these unhealthy products will improve population health, and in doing so, workforce participation and productivity," she added. In 2019, the government introduced a zero-tolerance policy on drink-driving as part of its efforts to significantly improve public health, as the country prepares for unprecedented demographic shifts that will require far more state spending on health care. Last month, To Lam, the Communist Party chief, announced that the government is progressing with its policy of providing free hospital care to every citizen. It aims to provide free coverage to 90% of the population by 2030. Under the new Law on Health Insurance, which is expected to be passed this month, the government aims to eventually introduce universal health insurance coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenditures to around 20% of all health care costs within a decade. Currently, out-of-pocket spending accounts for 45% of all health expenditure. It is not uncommon for a household to become indebted in order to cover the health costs of a family member. However, the Communist Party's health insurance ambitions won't be cheap, especially considering the profound demographic changes that the country will undergo in the coming decades. Vietnam's population is aging fast, and the state is concerned that the working-age population will shrink as the percentage of retirees grows, which will put unprecedented strain on the government's coffers. "Vietnam's alcohol is still among the cheapest in the region, so the government sees higher taxes as a logical next step after the zero-tolerance drink-driving law," Khac Giang Nguyen, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, told DW. Last month, the Ministry of Health also proposed establishing a Disease Prevention Fund within the draft Law on Disease Prevention, which would be supported by state funds, as well as potential additional levies on unhealthy foods and drinks, raising further alarm bells in the alcohol industry. "We are disappointed by the recent hikes to the Special Consumption Tax and are equally concerned about the cumulative impact of further tax increases, particularly in light of the newly proposed health levy under the draft Disease Prevention Law," Tim Wallwork, chair of the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance, told DW. "We call on the government to avoid layering additional tax responsibilities on top of the SCT, so that compliant businesses, including those with local manufacturing and long-term investments, have the space to adapt, recover and grow amid ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty," Wallwork added. According to the Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association, year-on-year sales fell by 23% in 2023. They declined by 7% the previous year. Declining sales were one reason why Heineken shut down operations at its Quang Nam brewery, one of six it operates in the country, in June 2024. Wallwork told DW that around 70% of alcohol consumption in Vietnam goes unrecorded, with most people still drinking unlicensed and potentially deadly alcohol. Southeast Asia's unregulated alcohol sector made international headlines last year after six backpackers died after drinking shots laced with methanol in Laos' tourist hub, Vang Vieng. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video "Further tax increases risk pushing consumers toward these unregulated and potentially harmful products, undermining public health and enforcement efforts," said Wallwork. However, the government has clearly decided that the health of the public trumps the health of the alcohol industry, and is well aware that enforcing preventative measures will be cheaper in the long run. "Many of Vietnam's major alcohol producers have been privatized, so the state no longer profits directly from higher sales. That makes it easier for the government to act without worrying about losing revenue," said Giang of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Even though beer sales are dipping, "higher taxes could make up the difference in volume. So, this move won't necessarily hurt the budget, but it does send a clear political signal about where the Communist Party stands," he added.
CNA
13-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
When vendors and contractors don't deliver: The painful road to restitution for customers and why some just can't get their money back
After repeated disagreements with her interior designer, Ms Shasha wanted to cancel the renovation contract in February 2023 and get a refund for the work that was not completed, which she estimated to be approximately S$14,000 after checking against the company's quotation. However, the firm only offered S$2,800 in compensation. Ms Shasha and her husband were told that if they wanted the full amount they were seeking, they would need to engage a lawyer. Not wanting to go through the hassle and cost of legal action, they felt they had no choice but to proceed with the firm. "At the time, my husband and I were unaware of the SCT and believed legal action would be costly. We were also hoping to move in before Hari Raya, which was in line with the renovation timeline," she said. Unfortunately, further setbacks soon followed, including manpower delays, absences due to COVID-19 that were not communicated to her, as well as poor workmanship. Frustrated by the breach of contract and lack of progress, she publicly shared her experience on social media to raise awareness. She did not identify the firm at the time. Ms Shasha also sought legal advice, preparing evidence and other case files that she and her husband had, to ensure there was proof for every claim and damage. After weighing her options, Ms Shasha took her case to the SCT, which eventually ruled in her favour. The interior designer was ordered to compensate her approximately S$6,000 for incomplete works covered by the downpayment, as well as additional damages. She advised homeowners in similar situations to refer back to their original quotation, list all incomplete works and take clear photos as evidence. Any damages should also be documented thoroughly, Ms Shasha noted. 'I had evidence that it was a breach of contract, and being able to prove this was a key point that helped us with our STC case,' she said. For some victims left in the lurch after their engaged vendor became uncontactable, filing a credit card dispute with their bank proved to be an effective form of restitution. Mr Tan, who was affected by the abrupt closure of bridal studio Love Nest and its affiliated entities in April 2024, said that after receiving the notice, he and other affected couples formed a Telegram chat group and explored various ways to recover their deposits – including filing complaints with Case and lodging police reports. 'Some victims started recovering their deposits through their credit card companies. That's what we did. Our bank asked us for proof of no response, such as our WhatsApp logs and calls, invoice numbers, payment records, and UEN (unique entity number).' Mr Tan said the bank took about a month to investigate, and he received his deposit back via credit card chargeback. 'Some couples went to SCT and got a writ, but enforcing that writ meant hiring a debt collector to recover goods or money. 'It's not easy. You'd have to seize assets like gowns and sell them. That's not practical for us when there were so many couples involved.' Police investigation for the case is still ongoing. WHY SOME CASES DON'T END UP IN COURT Lawyer Chooi Jing Yen said that while such cases of contractors who default after prepayments are made are relatively common, most do not end up before a judge or a tribunal magistrate. 'A lot of people don't decide to start legal proceedings because sometimes, even after spending all the legal costs and getting a judgment, they still can't collect the money,' he said. 'The company might decide to wind up or simply have no assets due to poor management. This is a risk that people should consider before initiating legal action because if you can't sue to get your money back, it becomes very difficult.' Some victims may be confused as to why the police classify such cases as civil rather than criminal. To this, Mr Chooi, who is director of law firm Chooi Jing Yen LLC, said the classification often depends on specific legal thresholds. For instance, if the company genuinely intended to carry out the work at the start but encountered problems midway, it typically would not amount to a criminal offence, as there was no initial intent to deceive, he said. 'It only becomes criminal if it can be shown that there was no intention to complete the job from the outset. But proving that intent can be difficult.' Mr Abdul Rahman Mohd Hanipah, lawyer and managing director of law firm ARLC, said renovation disputes are usually treated as civil matters, especially if they appear to be isolated cases. 'If it seems like a one-off situation where a contractor failed to deliver on a job, it's typically treated as a civil matter, and the appropriate course of action would be to file a civil claim to recover your money.' However, Mr Abdul Rahman said that if there is a pattern of conduct – for example, multiple clients reporting similar experiences – then it could potentially fall under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers cheating and dishonestly inducing someone to deliver property. The offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, and caning. "There may also be elements of criminal breach of trust if a contractor was entrusted with funds meant specifically for renovation works but used the money for other purposes." In criminal cases like cheating, Ms Christine Low, director of law firm Peter Low Chambers, said restitution – the act of returning or compensating for losses caused by the offender's actions – is possible but not a legal right that victims can demand as part of sentencing. "However, it can play an important mitigating role, as offenders who voluntarily compensate victims may receive lighter sentences. "The court's focus in criminal cases is on punishment and deterrence, not compensation, so victims usually need to pursue civil lawsuits to obtain full restitution." While such a law protects consumers from cheating, Mr Shanmugam, in a parliamentary reply in 2024, said that the authorities observed that many cases of non-fulfilment of contracts were not the result of fraud, but business distress. "The right course is in civil remedies, which have been made easier to access over the years. For example, in 2019, the government raised the ceiling for claims that can be brought in the Small Claims Tribunal to S$20,000 – or S$30,000 if all parties consent." Ms Low said that when a case exceeds the limit, homeowners may pursue claims in the magistrate's or district court, depending on the sum. This requires filing a civil suit, typically with legal representation, she added. "In such cases, thorough documentation, such as written agreements, payment records, and photographs of works done or abandoned, is key." However, Ms Low also said that civil litigation costs vary depending on complexity, amount claimed, and whether the matter goes to trial. Legal fees for claims between S$50,000 and S$150,000 can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, she added. "If uncontested or resolved via settlement, costs are lower. It may be worth pursuing when the contractor has assets, the evidence is strong, and the amount lost justifies the expense. "However, if the defendant is unable to pay the debt or does not have enough income or assets, or the facts are heavily disputed, recovery may be uncertain despite a favourable judgment," she said, adding that a lawyer can provide a preliminary cost-benefit analysis to help clients decide. WHAT CUSTOMERS CAN DO In response to CNA TODAY's queries, Case president Melvin Yong urges all consumers to patronise CaseTrust-accredited renovation companies, as the hefty prepayment losses suffered by consumers in this sector have been 'entirely attributed' to non-CaseTrust-accredited companies. He said these accredited renovation companies commit to adhering to Case's consumer-friendly policies, such as progressive payments under the Case Standard Renovation Contracts, deposit protection, and mandatory mediation should any disputes arise. 'Setting up a renovation company in Singapore does not require a licence, and the ease of creating and winding down such companies poses a challenge in helping consumers to recover their monies from non-CaseTrust-accredited renovation companies,' said Mr Yong. 'Consumers can be assured that CaseTrust-accredited companies insure any deposits paid and are committed to resolving disputes promptly.' Mr Yong, who is also MP for Radin Mas Single Member Constituency, also said that Case has urged the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to make CaseTrust accreditation the minimum requirement to be listed in the HDB directory of renovation contractors. 'Doing so will ensure that the bulk of homeowners, who are HDB owners, will be protected when renovating their homes.' Consumers can also refer to the Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS), which serves as a benchmark for excellence in the industry, said a SIDAS spokesperson. The scheme aims to boost consumer confidence by accrediting interior designers who meet stringent standards in education, experience and professional ethics. In cases of disputes, such as incomplete work or unsatisfactory design outcomes, the spokesperson said clients who engage SIDAS-accredited designers have access to an additional layer of accountability, including a formal grievance process to review and address complaints. "To support more informed decision-making ... we will also be launching public education campaigns in Q3 and Q4 of 2025 to raise awareness of the role and responsibilities of interior designers, empowering consumers to make confident choices." Mr Chooi of Chooi Jing Yen LLC said one important step for customers is to conduct a background check on the entity they are dealing with, because sometimes, a company might be registered under one name, but the invoice comes from another. 'Look up the company's profile on Acra (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) for who the directors and shareholders are, see if there's a good mix of individuals involved,' he said. 'If it's a sole director setup, it may not be as robust as a company with a more diversified structure. Ideally, you don't want to place full trust in a one-man show that was just set up last month.' Asked if there is anything a homeowner can include in the quotation or contract – such as a clause to offer protection if the project goes awry or the interior designer disappears – Mr Chooi said that ultimately, if the company is unlikely to honour the contract, the homeowner may still have to pursue a claim in court. "Honestly, these things often go south not because of the contract, but because of how the business is run," he said. "In such cases, it makes little difference what additional terms are negotiated. The same concerns about legal costs and the difficulty of recovering a judgment debt still apply." And if a dispute or possible breach of contract arises, ARLC's Mr Abdul Rahman said homeowners should, at the bare minimum, seek to preserve evidence first. 'Get a quantity surveyor to assess what work has been done and what hasn't, and how much you may have been shortchanged. You need documentation before considering your next steps.' He added that in many renovation disputes, instead of immediately spending money on legal fees, it may be more practical to find solutions to complete the home renovation first. 'Yes, you can sue. You might even win. But whether you can actually recover the money, that's case by case. There's no guarantee.' Ultimately, Mr Abdul Rahman said consumers must take ownership of their decisions and make informed choices before engaging a company. 'When you're buying your first house, you're in a happy, excited state. You're not thinking negatively.
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
SCT's ‘Cult-a-Way' fest returns with a bang
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering (SCT) is all set to host Cult-a-Way 2025, its flagship techno-cultural festival, at Kanakakkunnu on May 30, 31, and June 1. Now in its 13th edition, Cult-a-Way promises a blend of culture, entertainment, tech, and more. 'It is open to the public. Entry is free, except for performances at the Nishagandhi Auditorium, for which tickets will be charged,' says Nandagopan G, a final-year student and public relations coordinator of Cult-a-Way. The entertainment lineup is an impressive mix of musical talent, featuring Tamil artist Yogi Shekhar, bollywood singer Akasa Singh, Gabri, Urmi, and MC Cooper, among others. At least seven top artists will perform over the three days. In addition to the performances, the festival will host a series of tech workshops in collaboration with various academic departments at SCT. Visitors can also look forward to quizzes, a flea market, and stalls selling food, clothing, and accessories. 'We're also focusing on promoting entrepreneurship—both from within the college and outside,' adds Nandagopan. As a prelude to the main event, a pre-fest run called 'Cult Run' will be held on May 28 at Manaveeyam Veedhi, in collaboration with KIMS Health, to raise awareness about mental health. 'More than just a college fest, this is a tech institution's fun way to reach out to the masses,' adds Nandagopan.
