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Thailand Boosts Tourism with Tax Cuts and Extended Hours

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Thailand has rolled out a new initiative to stimulate tourism by approving tax cuts on both alcoholic beverages and entertainment venues. The country’s cabinet has given the green light to significant reductions, including lowering wine taxes from 10% to 5% and completely eliminating taxes on spirits, which were previously set at 10%. Additionally, the excise tax imposed on entertainment venues is set to be halved, dropping from 10% to 5%. These tax adjustments are slated to remain in effect until the end of the current year, as confirmed by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. This move follows Thailand’s recent decision to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues, allowing them to remain open until 4 AM. The extended hours are a strategic move to cater to night owls and entice more tourists to visit the country. Notably, Thailand had earlier announced a visa waiver for travelers from India and Taiwan, effective from November 2023 until May 2024. During this period, tourists from these regions can enjoy a stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. India has emerged as the fourth-largest source of tourism for Thailand, with approximately 1.2 million arrivals this year, trailing behind Malaysia, China, and South Korea. Government data reveals that, from January to October 29, 2023, Thailand welcomed a total of 22 million visitors, contributing 927.5 billion baht (around $25.67 billion) to the country’s economy. The visa waiver for Indian and Taiwanese travelers aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to attract more tourists and revitalize its crucial tourism sector. The decision to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues and implement tax cuts on alcoholic beverages and entertainment venues is part of a series of measures aimed at boosting foreign arrivals. These initiatives follow the waiver of visa requirements for Chinese visitors in September, a move targeting one of Southeast Asia’s significant sources of tourists and reflecting the government’s commitment to revitalizing the tourism industry, a key driver of the economy.

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Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape

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Delhi has reported its first case of the JN.1 COVID variant, as per live updates on the pandemic. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has promptly issued guidelines in response to this new case. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, according to sources from the Health Ministry. The distribution of cases reveals 36 in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Rajasthan, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. Wednesday witnessed a spike in the daily COVID-19 cases in India, with 529 new infections reported in a single day. The active infection count in the country stands at 4,093, with three new fatalities documented within 24 hours – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. This surge in cases follows a period of relative decline, with daily case numbers dropping to double digits until December 5. The resurgence is attributed to the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has emphasized that, based on current evidence, the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low. The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest underscores the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the evolution of the virus.

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COVID-19 Update: Rising Cases, Advisory in Himachal, JN.1 Variant Spreads

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Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, several Indian states are urging citizens to adhere to coronavirus protocols. As of December 25, Kerala leads with 3,096 active cases, followed by Karnataka (436), Maharashtra (168), Gujarat (56), and Tamil Nadu (139). The Union Health Ministry reported 69 cases of the JN.1 COVID subvariant in the country. In response to the variant’s presence, Himachal Pradesh health officials issued an advisory. Chief medical officers are instructed to test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, emphasizing vigilance. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Una recommended immediate testing for those with symptoms like cold, fever, or cough, while stressing the importance of mask-wearing. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed 34 cases of the JN.1 variant in the state, reassuring the public that the situation is under control. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that the health minister would provide updates. In a surprising turn, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal threatened to reveal a purported ₹40,000-crore “Covid scam” if expelled from the party. Yatnal alleges that the Karnataka BJP government, led by B S Yediyurappa, engaged in massive corruption during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the city’s COVID positivity rate is around 1%. While advising caution during winter festivals, he assured the public that additional genome sequencing is being conducted. Meanwhile, a new COVID-19 case surfaced in Khurda district, Odisha, bringing the state’s total to three. All three individuals exhibit mild symptoms and are undergoing home treatment. Responding to the escalating cases, the Karnataka government’s coronavirus sub-committee implemented measures, including mandatory mask-wearing, home isolation, and caution against sending symptomatic children to schools. Dr. Shekhar C Mande, former Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the significance of disease surveillance in India, not only for COVID-19 but also for tracking the spread of various infections, including antimicrobial resistance. He highlighted the usefulness of surveillance methods such as wastewater analysis in detecting variants like JN.1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled JN.1 as a ‘variant of interest,’ distinct from its counterpart BA.2.86. Despite this, WHO maintains that the risk from JN.1 remains low for now

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