This study provides country-specific data and analysis on the potential impacts of the proposed revision of the EU Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD). Using the Tobacco Excise Tax Simulation Model, it focuses on nine Member States. Simulations of higher minimum excise rates for cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes indicate higher prices, narrower price gaps between countries, reduced consumption, higher revenues and declines in premature mortality. These findings support timely and undiluted implementation of the proposed revision of the TTD. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

European Council President António Costa declared 2026 'the year of European competitiveness', emphasising the significance that the European Council places on the topic. Given the current geopolitical context, Costa put substantial efforts into maintaining the EU leaders' focus on this agenda point. Despite predictions that competitiveness would be sidelined, the European Council followed up on the discussions at the informal competitiveness retreat at Alden Biesen on 12 February, launching a 'One Europe, One Market' agenda to be implemented in the next two years. Two other crucial points were on the table. First, the enactment of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine, on which EU leaders did not convince Hungary to lift its veto on a required implementation law. This time around, leaders did not shy away from speaking bluntly, calling Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's behaviour 'disloyal', or even 'a betrayal'. For the sixth time in a row, a separate text was adopted on Ukraine, with the firm support of 25 EU leaders. The second central point was the escalating situation in the Middle East, on which EU leaders displayed unity in condemning Iran's indiscriminate military strikes against countries in the region and in rejecting US President Donald Trump's demands – and threats regarding the future of NATO – to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The European Council also discussed – albeit briefly – security and defence, migration, European democratic resilience, the protection of children online, the EU's eastern border regions and the situation at the Dniester river. Back-to-back with the European Council, EU leaders met for a Euro summit in inclusive format to discuss the euro-area economy in light of the war in the Middle East. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study provides country-specific data and analysis on the potential impacts of the proposed revision of the EU Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD). Using the Tobacco Excise Tax Simulation Model, it focuses on nine Member States. Simulations of higher minimum excise rates for cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes indicate higher prices, narrower price gaps between countries, reduced consumption, higher revenues and declines in premature mortality. These findings support timely and undiluted implementation of the proposed revision of the TTD. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Supreme Court declined to review the murder-for-hire conviction of Joseph Maldonado-Passage, the “Tiger King,” who gained notoriety from a 2020 documentary.

A heartbroken couple whose toddler daughter was killed at a nursery after being put to sleep face down on a beanbag are urgently calling for new measures to make childcare safer.

The broadcaster, who left the Radio 2 suddenly on Monday, had a difficult relationship with alcohol after one of his first serious boyfriends died following a drug overdose.

Police have linked Turkish-style barber shops to a wide range of crimes, from drug dealing and money laundering to human trafficking.

Jane Green, from Surrey, was mid-soaping down and washing the receptacle on her drive when its wheels rolled out from underneath her, crashing into the ground.

The Prime Minister hosted a roundtable meeting in No10 with top bosses from the insurance, oil, gas and shipping sectors as the Middle East crisis entered a fifth week.

Gerald Kazembe’s proposal to raise Malawi’s minimum wage to K200,000 has sparked predictable backlash, dismissed by critics as unrealistic, impractical, even populist. But beneath the noise lies something far more important: a long-overdue national conversation about whether a country can truly develop when the majority of its workers cannot afford to live. Kazembe’s argument is […] The post You Can’t Build a Nation on Hunger: Kazembe’s K200,000 Demand Sparks Outrage appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a political space where silence is often mistaken for strategy and every answer is dissected for hidden intent, Simplex Chithyola Banda came across as a man determined not to be rushed into narratives he does not own. Appearing on Zodiak TV’s Cruise 5 in a continuation of his conversation with Joab Chakhaza, the Leader […] The post OPINION | CALM IN THE STORM — Simplex Chithyola Banda SPEAKS WITHOUT AMBITION appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Journalists have been challenged to go beyond watchdog reporting and actively drive Malawi’s development agenda, in a bold call that puts the media at the centre of the country’s economic and social progress. Chief Executive Officer for Mzuzu City Council, Gomezgani Nyasulu, made the remarks at Ilala Crest Lodge where he served as Guest of […] The post Journalists Told: Drive Development, Don’t Just Expose Decay appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

An argument heading to the Supreme Court is built in part on a post-Civil War campaign that scholars say was steeped in anti-Black and anti-Chinese racism.

The planned White House addition, a top priority of the president, is facing a key vote this week. A federal judge may also rule to halt the project.

Dans un monde en mutation permanente, le leadership ne peut plus être statique. Il ne s'agit plus seulement de diriger, mais de savoir évoluer. C'est précisément là qu'intervient le concept de Leadershift. Le leadershift, c'est cette capacité essentielle qu'a un leader de changer de posture, de mindset et de pratiques pour rester pertinent dans un environnement complexe et incertain. Autrefois, on valorisait les leaders qui avaient toutes les réponses. Aujourd'hui, on attend d'eux (...) - LIBRE PROPOS / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

Des médecins bien formés, c'est une population qui mérite de bons soins. Six médecins gabonais été gratifiés de parchemins de boursiers. Une initiative de la collaboration entre les Fondations Merck et Ma Bannière. L'évènement a eu lieu le 26 mars 2026 au CHUL (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Libreville). C'est au total, six médecins, tous de nationalité gabonaise qui ont bénéficié des bourses médicales spécialisées, offertes par la Fondation Merck dont le thème était placée sous : (...) - SOCIETE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

[African Union] The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, takes note of the results of the presidential election in the Republic of the Congo, as announced by the Constitutional Court, and extends his congratulations to H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso on his re-election.

[Independent (Kampala)] Kampala, Uganda -- New data highlights gaps in health insurance, sanitation, and living standards despite progress in reducing income poverty.

[Daily News] Nairobi -- THE Office of the Auditor General in Kenya disclosed KSh 6.3 billion in funds that were diverted from the government's digital payments system.

[Daily Trust] A new report by the International Press Institute (IPI) has revealed an escalating crackdown on journalists across Sahel nations, warning of a growing information blackout with regional and global consequences.

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are holding crisis talks amid mounting fears over the looming impact from the Iran war.

Australian fashion and lifestyle retailer Cotton On is set to close its business in Singapore.According to a Government Gazette notice on Monday (March 30), liquidators from PwC Singapore were appointed to wind up Cotton On Asia.The announcement comes after almost 10 years of operations in Singapore, when its first store opened at Wisma Atria in 2007.Cotton On’s website currently lists more than 30 stores in Singapore.Brands under Cotton On that are available in Singapore are Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Cotton On Kids, stationery brand Typo and shoe brand Rubi.[[nid:731636]]chingshijie@asiaone.com

The Lions are all set to sign off the final game of the Asian Cup qualification with a flourish when they take on Bangladesh in their last Group C qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday (March 31).The home team booked their place in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 away win against Hong Kong in November, grabbing the top spot in the group.Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, coach Gavin Lee said the focus remains on performance.«I guess I think first and foremost, boys are all very focused putting out a performance out there tomorrow night.»In Hong Kong, we played in a stadium full of red, but it wasn't our red. Tomorrow, we have a chance to play in our stadium with our red supporting us. «And I heard there's a big crowd coming, and I think that is something we should never take for granted, and that thats something that i think motivates a lot of players, because how often do you get this kind of experience and opportunity?»He said the team remain grounded after their result in Hong Kong.

As firefighters in Malaysia continue to battle raging forest fires exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, smoke plumes have been drifting towards Singapore due to the prevailing northeast winds, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).In an update published at about 7pm on Monday (March 30), the agency shared a satellite image taken at 2pm.The image shows two areas on fire — a forested area off Jalan Tanjong Balau-Sedili Kechil highway in Bandar Benawar and another at a forested area in Sedili Kechil. Both locations are located in Johor's Kota Tinggi.

Three siblings who chopped down their neighbour's line of Leylandii trees amid dramatic 'fence wars' face a £250,000 bill after being successfully sued.

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are holding crisis talks amid mounting fears over the looming impact from the Iran war.

Photographs show deserted beaches and streets in hotspots such as Limassol and Protaras which are usually bustling with tourists.

Rob Burrow's father, Geoff, has died aged 74 after a 'period of ill health' following his and his rugby legend son's tireless campaign for motor neurone disease.