Latest news with #VISA
Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- Zawya
Stronger Health Through Smarter Taxes in Mauritius
WHO has joined forces with VISA NGO and the University of Cape Town to assess the impact of increasing health taxes in Mauritius. Using a simulation tool, the study examined how tax hikes affect tobacco use, government revenues, and premature deaths. A 15% annual cigarette tax increase could: Boost excise revenue by 55% Reduce smoking prevalence from 18.1% to 17.4% Prevent 11,600 premature deaths by 2029 Even more ambitious action—a 25% annual increase—could: Double excise revenues Lower smoking prevalence to 16.3% Save 19,300 lives by 2029 On 20 June 2025, WHO convened high-level officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance to discuss the findings, presented by the University of Cape Town's Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products and a WHO taxation expert. WHO and VISA echoed the study's call for regular, significant tax increases—one of the most effective ways to curb noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) Earlier, on 26 May, VISA and WHO presented the findings to key stakeholders including the Mauritius Revenue Authority, Ministries of Education and Youth, the University of Mauritius, NGOs, and consumer groups. WHO also applauded the Government's recent decision to raise taxes by 10% on tobacco and alcohol, and 100% on sugary drinks, extending it to products like chocolate and ice cream. 'This is a gift to public health,' said Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative. 'Higher prices on unhealthy products help reduce consumption—especially in a country where obesity, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases are leading causes of death and disability.' Dr. Ancia also stressed the urgent need to enforce the Tobacco Law 2022, particularly the ban on single-stick sales, which undermines progress in reducing tobacco use through higher prices. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Mauritius.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: As drug traffickers exploit couriers, NCB holds awareness session
Jun 27, 2025 09:54 AM IST Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) conducted an awareness meeting on Thursday to address the growing concern of drug trafficking through parcel and courier services. In the meeting, various guidelines to prevent drug peddling through courier networks were issued. Based on discussions and suggestions from stakeholders, certain guidelines were proposed including mandatory OTP verification for both sender and receiver at the time of booking and delivery. (HT photo for representation) The meeting was attended by Dhiraj Kumar, DSP crime, inspector Amar Shankar from the NCB and inspector Baldev Singh, SHO, police station ANTF and representatives of various courier companies operating in Chandigarh. The officials highlighted that drug traffickers are increasingly exploiting parcel and courier networks to smuggle narcotic substances. To counter this emerging threat, valuable insights and preventive measures were shared with the participants. Based on discussions and suggestions from stakeholders, certain guidelines were proposed including mandatory OTP verification for both sender and receiver at the time of booking and delivery. The courier company representatives were directed that KYC must be done at booking counters, including a valid photo ID (e.g. Aadhaar, Driving License) and a local address proof. For foreign nationals, copies of valid passports and VISA are mandatory. Physical delivery without verified ID or invalid addresses must be avoided. Booking of medicines or supplements must be accompanied by a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. It was also discussed that CCTV cameras must be installed at all booking counters with a minimum 30-day footage retention. Regular training and awareness sessions for courier staff to be done. Courier companies were also advised to maintain strict internal vigilance to prevent any collusion of employees with drug syndicates.
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
WIKATI Expands Global Footprint in Study Abroad Sector
PRNewswire Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 24: WIKATI, a trusted name in global education, announces the strategic expansion of its study abroad services to five additional countries. Building on a successful 13 year legacy and having placed more than 15,000 students worldwide, WIKATI will now guide students in their academic pathways across six top international destinations the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany and France. Supported by a network of over 1,600 global partner universities, WIKATI connects students to top-ranked institutions across globally recognized universities. These associations ensure students gain access to world class academic programs, smooth admissions and a seamless transition to their dream universities. WIKATI's university network spans a wide range of academic disciplines, including business & management, engineering and technology, data science & AI, public health, biomedical sciences, social sciences, media & communication, arts and design. Its strategic collaborations facilitate streamlined admissions, scholarship support and career-oriented study options for international students. With a 98.6% visa success rate and a proven track record of personalised counselling and trusted guidance, WIKATI has introduced eight value-added services as part of its ongoing growth strategy. From selecting the right course to arriving on campus, these services ensure end-to-end support at every stage of the journey. Guided by its core promise, 'Studying Abroad, Simplified', WIKATI aims to remove the complexities experienced in the study abroad process. Offerings include expert counselling, documentation guidance, university application processing, financial aid and scholarships, overseas education loan, VISA application assistance, travel and accommodation assistance. To learn more about WIKATI's visit About WIKATI, Hyderabad Established in 2007, WIKATI is a global education consulting firm that connects high-potential students with top-tier universities worldwide. Over 13 years WIKATI has offered full-stack solutions for 15000+ students aspiring to study abroad, while also delivering curated recruitment strategies as a global recruitment partner to 1600+ leading universities. A 98.6% VISA success rate and a 4.9/5 student satisfaction score reflect WIKATI's commitment to its core promise: Studying Abroad, Simplified. Operating from India, Dubai and the United Kingdom, WIKATI offers region-specific expertise backed by a global perspective, empowering students to confidently pursue international education with trusted, end-to-end guidance.
The Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
WIKATI Expands Global Footprint in Study Abroad Sector
HYDERABAD, India, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WIKATI, a trusted name in global education, announces the strategic expansion of its study abroad services to five additional countries. Building on a successful 13 year legacy and having placed more than 15,000 students worldwide, WIKATI will now guide students in their academic pathways across six top international destinations the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany and France. Supported by a network of over 1,600 global partner universities, WIKATI connects students to top-ranked institutions across globally recognized universities. These associations ensure students gain access to world class academic programs, smooth admissions and a seamless transition to their dream universities. WIKATI's university network spans a wide range of academic disciplines, including business & management, engineering and technology, data science & AI, public health, biomedical sciences, social sciences, media & communication, arts and design. Its strategic collaborations facilitate streamlined admissions, scholarship support and career-oriented study options for international students. With a 98.6% visa success rate and a proven track record of personalised counselling and trusted guidance, WIKATI has introduced eight value-added services as part of its ongoing growth strategy. From selecting the right course to arriving on campus, these services ensure end-to-end support at every stage of the journey. Guided by its core promise, 'Studying Abroad, Simplified', WIKATI aims to remove the complexities experienced in the study abroad process. Offerings include expert counselling, documentation guidance, university application processing, financial aid and scholarships, overseas education loan, VISA application assistance, travel and accommodation assistance. To learn more about WIKATI's visit About WIKATI, Hyderabad Established in 2007, WIKATI is a global education consulting firm that connects high-potential students with top-tier universities worldwide. Over 13 years WIKATI has offered full-stack solutions for 15000 students aspiring to study abroad, while also delivering curated recruitment strategies as a global recruitment partner to 1600 leading universities. A 98.6% VISA success rate and a 4.9/5 student satisfaction score reflect WIKATI's commitment to its core promise: Studying Abroad, Simplified. Operating from India, Dubai and the United Kingdom, WIKATI offers region-specific expertise backed by a global perspective, empowering students to confidently pursue international education with trusted, end-to-end guidance. Media contact: Swathi Arora, Logo: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PWR This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Hype Malaysia
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Taiwanese Singer Pan Mei Chen To Bring 'Returning Home' World Tour To Malaysia This August
Renowned for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Pan Mei Chen (潘美辰) has become a beacon of contemporary music. One of Mandopop's most iconic and enduring voices, the star will officially launch her highly anticipated 'Returning Home' 2025 World Tour later this year – and she's bringing the show to Malaysia! The concert will take place on 2nd August 2025 (Saturday) at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting. This momentous concert marks her long-awaited return to the international stage and promises an emotional and immersive live experience that celebrates her storied musical legacy Pan Mei Chen is regarded as a living legend of the Taiwanese music scene. She was the first Taiwanese female artist to perform on China's CCTV Spring Festival Gala, the inaugural winner of the Golden Melody Award for Best Song, and the first Chinese singer to exceed 1,000 live performances. The 'Returning Home' 2025 World Tour is more than a musical event. In a time when many seek solace and meaning, Pan Mei Chen's return is a powerful reminder that home is not a place, it is a feeling. The 'Returning Home' tour will showcase Pan's most beloved hits, including 'I Want a Home' (我想有个 家), 'I Once Loved You Deeply' (我曾用心爱着你), 'Don't Go, Don't Go' (不要走不要走), 'Unmeltable Ice' (拒绝融化的冰), and 'Endless Love' (写不完的爱). These songs, deeply rooted in personal reflection and emotional resonance, continue to move audiences and serve as timeless reminders of love, longing and belonging. If you've longed to see the singer live in person, here are the details to the show: Pan Mei Chen 'Returning Home' World Tour Live In KL Date : 2nd August 2025 (Saturday) : 2nd August 2025 (Saturday) Time: 6pm 6pm Venue: Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting Organisers: Resorts World Genting Resorts World Genting Ticketing: RM418 (VIP) RM338 (PS1), RM258 (PS2), RM178 (PS3) Pre-sale tickets for GRC Gold Members & above and VISA cardholders will be available from 17th June 2025 at 12pm, while public sales begin on 23 June 2025 at 12pm. For more information on the concert, please contact Arena of Star and Resorts World Genting. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
