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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.inAnura Kumara Dissanayaka, the first leftist president of Sri Lanka, was sworn in on Monday following a decisive electoral victory amid widespread discontent over the nation’s severe economic crisis. The leader of the People's Liberation Front (JVP), a self-proclaimed Marxist, took his oath at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, vowing to restore public trust in politics. Dissanayaka, 55, gained significant support after the 2022 economic meltdown, which resulted in food, fuel, and medicine shortages. He succeeds Ranil Wickremesinghe, who implemented austerity measures under an International Monetary Fund bailout that stabilized the economy but left many struggling. Dissanayaka plans to continue the IMF program while seeking to renegotiate its terms for tax relief. His party, historically associated with violent uprisings, aims to reshape Sri Lanka's political landscape, with Dissanayaka promising to tackle corruption and improve governance.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 12 pmeznews.inAnura Kumara Dissanayake, a left-leaning leader and member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president in the first election following the country's economic collapse in 2022. Born on November 24, 1968, into a modest farming family, Dissanayake's political activism was ignited by personal tragedy during the JVP's insurrection in the late 1980s. Rising through the ranks, he became JVP leader in 2014 and formed the National People's Power (NPP) Alliance to challenge the traditional political landscape dominated by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and United National Party. Known for his clear-headed decision-making and compelling oratory, Dissanayake gained popularity during the 2022 people's uprising that ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. At 55, he now symbolizes hope for many Sri Lankans seeking reform amid ongoing economic challenges and political disillusionment.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 1 pmeznews.inKate Middleton made her first public appearance on Sunday after completing chemotherapy, attending a church service near Balmoral estate in Scotland with her husband, Prince William, and other royal family members, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The 42-year-old Princess of Wales, who recently revealed her cancer diagnosis, expressed optimism about her recovery, noting that her journey would be gradual as she plans to engage in limited royal duties for the remainder of the year. In a heartfelt video message, Kate reflected on the challenges faced by her family over the past nine months, describing the cancer journey as "complex, scary, and unpredictable." Although she stepped back from most royal engagements during her treatment, she made two public appearances earlier this year, including the Trooping the Colour parade and the Wimbledon men's final, where she received a warm standing ovation from the crowd.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 10 ameznews.inOn October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, firing approximately 5,000 rockets and infiltrating border communities with around 1,200 militants. The assault, termed "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," led to chaos and panic, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,205 individuals, including hostages. Militants targeted nearly 50 sites, including kibbutzim and a music festival, where over 370 people were killed during a brutal hour-long rampage. The Israeli military's response was criticized for its slowness, with civilians forced to defend themselves against the attackers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war, mobilizing 360,000 reservists, and Israel commenced extensive airstrikes on Gaza, which have since resulted in over 41,431 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to local health authorities. By October 10, the Israeli military regained control of the areas affected by the invasion.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 11 ameznews.inA breakthrough in a 36-year-old murder case has led to the arrest of James Holloman, accused of killing 25-year-old Karen Taylor in Boston in 1988. The case remained unsolved until DNA evidence linked Holloman to the crime scene, following his DNA being collected after he spat on the sidewalk last year. Authorities had previously found a check made out to Holloman near Taylor's body but lacked definitive evidence until now. Investigators matched Holloman's DNA with samples found under Taylor's fingernails and on a bloody sweatshirt. Holloman, who has no prior criminal record, was arrested on September 19, although his attorney has raised doubts about the reliability of the DNA evidence. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden praised the investigative work that led to this development, which offers Taylor's family a chance for closure after decades of unanswered questions surrounding her tragic death.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 11 ameznews.inThe U.S. government has launched a significant sex trafficking and racketeering case against music mogul Sean Combs, known as Diddy, alleging he orchestrated coercive sexual encounters at luxury hotels, referred to as “freak-offs.” The 14-page federal indictment details accusations of arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, claiming these events involved drugs, prostitutes, and were filmed for blackmail purposes. Prosecutors assert that participants were coerced, with some requiring medical attention post-events, while Combs' legal team argues the encounters were consensual and part of a voluntary relationship with singer Cassie Ventura, who has filed a civil lawsuit against him. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, faces multiple civil suits from women alleging drug-fueled sexual abuse and remains in federal custody after being denied bail. The investigation, which has roots dating back to the 1990s, continues as Combs' legal battles unfold.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 11 ameznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi has urged major tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the benefit of the Indian populace, emphasizing the need for applications in healthcare, education, and agriculture. Following a roundtable in New York, Pichai highlighted Modi's commitment to India's Digital India vision and the importance of local manufacturing, noting that Google now produces its Pixel phones in India. The meeting, hosted by MIT, also included CEOs from Nvidia, Adobe, Accenture, and IBM, who expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with India. Modi discussed India's ambitions to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and biotech, as well as promoting ethical AI practices. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the CEOs were keen to invest in India, recognizing its growing role as a technology hub driven by innovation-friendly policies.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 11 ameznews.inA man's decision to tattoo the Monster Energy Drink logo across his chest has gone viral, eliciting a mix of amusement and surprise on social media. The tattoo, featuring the brand's iconic "M" symbol resembling claw marks, was shared on platform X, showcasing the freshly inked, inflamed skin. While the man appeared proud of his bold choice, Monster Energy's response was less enthusiastic, humorously commenting, “Kinda wish we never saw this.” This sparked a flurry of reactions, with users suggesting the man must have lost a bet and sharing their own tattoo aspirations. One follower noted the irony of such devotion being met with a dismissive corporate response, while another expressed disappointment at the company's lack of enthusiasm. This incident isn't unique, as it follows other viral tattoo stories, including a misspelled "Spite" tattoo tribute to Sprite soda.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 9 ameznews.inHezbollah has declared a "new phase" in its conflict with Israel, escalating tensions following a weekend rocket barrage targeting northern Israel, including Kiryat Bialik. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties on both sides, with three reported deaths in Lebanon and two Hezbollah fighters killed. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized ongoing military actions to secure northern communities, while Army Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi warned of hitting anyone who threatens Israeli citizens. The United States and the United Nations have urged restraint, with President Biden stressing that military escalation is not in Israel's best interest. Despite mediation efforts from regional players, the situation remains precarious, with fears of a broader conflict as both sides prepare for further confrontations amidst warnings of an imminent catastrophe.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 10 ameznews.inOpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared his insights on living a life without regrets during a recent talk at his former school, John Burroughs School in St. Louis. Reflecting on his own career, Altman recounted how he dropped out of Stanford in 2005 to co-found the location-based app Loopt, a decision that ultimately led to the establishment of OpenAI. He emphasized the importance of taking calculated risks, noting that many choices are not irreversible and that avoiding risks can lead to regret later in life. "You should just put a huge premium on doing that anytime you feel like you might say that later," he advised students. Altman also encouraged young professionals to reconsider the traditional career path of education followed by long-term employment, suggesting that evolving industries, particularly AI, may significantly alter these norms.
Published: Sep 23 2024, 8 am
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