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New Zealand is set to increase its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) by 200%, from NZ$35 to NZ$100, effective October 1st, raising concerns about potential impacts on tourism numbers. Government officials assert that this significant hike is necessary to ensure international visitors contribute fairly to public services and the maintenance of the nation's infrastructure and biodiversity. The move aims to mitigate the environmental costs associated with tourism while supporting economic growth, with international visitors generating over NZ$11 billion in the year ending March 2024. Public consultation revealed that 93% of respondents endorsed the increase, viewing it as a reasonable step to cover tourism-related expenses. Officials maintain that the new levy remains competitive with similar charges in Australia and the UK, and it constitutes less than 3% of typical visitor spending, suggesting minimal impact on overall tourist numbers. 
Published: Sep 04 2024, 8 pmeznews.inZambian police have arrested two men, including a Mozambican national, for allegedly attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through witchcraft. The suspects, 42-year-old Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and 43-year-old village chief Leonard Phiri, were apprehended in Lusaka, where authorities discovered a collection of charms, including a live chameleon, suggesting their involvement in witchcraft practices. According to police, the duo was reportedly hired by the brother of an opposition MP currently facing serious criminal charges, including robbery and attempted murder. Both men are set to face charges of animal cruelty and are expected to appear in court shortly. The case has raised eyebrows, highlighting the intersection of politics and traditional beliefs in the region.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 6 pmeznews.inThe Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, announced plans to collaborate with Norfolk and Waveney Mind to launch a new mental health programme aimed at supporting the rural communities, particularly the farming population, on the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Co-funded by the couple, the pilot scheme will address mental health challenges exacerbated by rural isolation and is set to begin in 2025, running for two years. It will provide two part-time roles, including a Rural Mental Health Coordinator and a Counsellor, and will also offer mental health training to local employers. The initiative aims to enhance access to counselling, with targeted sessions for various community groups, and seeks to establish a sustainable model for rural mental health funding that could be replicated across the UK. The partnership aligns with the charity's launch of its Talking Therapies service, providing free support for anxiety and depression.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 7 pmeznews.inOn Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer, during his two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian premier in 43 years. The meeting was facilitated by Handa's granddaughter, Shreya Juneja, who had publicly requested the Prime Minister to meet her grandfather, a long-time admirer of Modi. The Prime Minister responded positively, expressing his eagerness to meet Handa. Modi's visit, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, aims to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly with the large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, which numbers around one million. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the significance of this visit in enhancing multifaceted relations between India and Kuwait, with Modi expected to engage in several key discussions over the course of his stay.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA Colombian lawmaker, Cathy Juvinao, has issued an apology after being filmed vaping during a parliamentary session focused on healthcare reforms. The incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, shows the Green Alliance Party member using a vape pen just before she was about to speak. Upon realizing she was on camera, Juvinao quickly exhaled and stowed the device away. In her subsequent social media post, she acknowledged her lapse in judgment, stating, "I apologize to the citizens for what happened yesterday... it will not be repeated." Juvinao's actions sparked mixed reactions online, with some condemning her breach of protocol, while others defended her, citing the stress of the moment. Notably, smoking and vaping are prohibited in Colombian government buildings, a regulation reinforced by recent legislation signed by President Gustavo Petro aimed at controlling the sale of vaping products.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 3 pmeznews.inAs 2024 draws to a close, Maxar News Bureau has released a compilation of satellite images capturing pivotal global events throughout the year. Highlights include the stunning ice sculptures at Harbin's annual ice festival in China, and widespread protests in Yemen following US and UK airstrikes. The year also saw significant natural disasters, such as a record wildfire in Texas and severe flooding in Russia. Notable geopolitical tensions were illustrated by a potential Chinese interception of a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea. Other significant moments included the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, and the unveiling of renovations to Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of its reopening. The images also documented humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the aftermath of Hurricane Helen in North Carolina, providing a unique perspective on the year's events from space.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 4 pmeznews.inMajor media outlets, including the Associated Press and The Guardian, have come under fire for their coverage of a deadly car attack at a Christmas market in Germany, which resulted in two fatalities and 68 injuries. Critics argue that headlines, such as the AP's "A car has driven into a group of people," downplay the driver's culpability, suggesting the vehicle acted independently. Video evidence showed the driver, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, being apprehended at the scene, prompting questions about the media's choice of language. US Vice President-elect JD Vance and other commentators criticized the reporting for failing to accurately represent the incident as a deliberate act of terrorism. The backlash extended to social media, where users highlighted the misleading nature of the headlines and suggested that the media was attempting to obscure the driver's background. Elon Musk also weighed in, accusing legacy media of dishonesty in their reporting.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 4 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community during his visit to Kuwait, where he engaged with expatriates and emphasized the strong ties between India and Kuwait. Modi's visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and investment. During his interactions, he highlighted the contributions of the Indian diaspora to Kuwait's development and expressed gratitude for their role in fostering bilateral relations. The Prime Minister also addressed the community's concerns and aspirations, reaffirming India's commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens abroad. This visit not only underscores India's growing influence in the Gulf region but also reflects the importance of the Indian community in Kuwait, which is one of the largest expatriate groups in the country. Modi's engagement aims to bolster ties and promote mutual growth and prosperity.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 4 pmeznews.inUkrainian drones struck high-rise buildings in Kazan, Russia, today, evoking comparisons to the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Unverified footage showed drones colliding with two residential skyscrapers, resulting in large fireballs and plumes of black smoke. Fortunately, all residents were evacuated without reported casualties. The attacks, which occurred in three waves between 7:40 am and 9:20 am local time, prompted a temporary halt to flights at Kazan's airport, with additional restrictions imposed at airports in Izhevsk and Saratov. This incident follows a similar attack in Saratov in August, which injured four. As the conflict continues, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to discuss a ceasefire, contingent on Ukraine renouncing NATO ambitions and withdrawing from occupied territories. The ongoing war, initiated by Russia's invasion in February 2022, has resulted in substantial loss of life and heightened tensions between Moscow and the West.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA flesh-eating bacterium responsible for Buruli Ulcer is rapidly spreading across Victoria, Australia, prompting health officials to issue a warning that "everyone" is at risk. The Victorian health department has reported a rise in cases this year, with 344 notifications by mid-December, compared to previous years. Lesions from the infection, which can cause severe disfigurement, often begin as painless lumps resembling insect bites. Chief health officer Professor Ben Cowie noted that the disease is no longer confined to coastal areas, having been detected in regions including Mornington Peninsula, East Gippsland, and parts of inner Melbourne. While the disease is not transmissible between people, Cowie highlighted the roles of possums and mosquitoes in its spread, with evidence of the bacterium found in possum excrement. The summer months are expected to bring an increased risk of infections, particularly among individuals aged 60 and older.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 2 pmeznews.inUkrainian drones targeted the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday, leading to the temporary closure of its airport, according to Russian media and aviation authorities. The drone assault, which struck a residential complex, occurred in three waves between 7:40 am and 9:20 am local time. Fortunately, local officials reported no casualties. In response, Kazan's mayor announced the cancellation of all planned mass events for the weekend and the provision of temporary accommodation for evacuees. Unverified video footage shared by the Baza Telegram channel, linked to Russian security services, depicted an aerial object crashing into a high-rise building, resulting in a significant fireball. Additionally, Russia's aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia imposed temporary flight restrictions at Kazan’s airport, as well as at airports in Izhevsk and Saratov, though the latter's restrictions were later lifted.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 2 pm
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