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globalstartupsolutions · 2 months

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Top 5 Best Accounting Firms for Startups in 2024

Friends, If you are starting your own business then you will face many challenges but choosing the best accounting firms for startups is the big challenge for everyone. If you choose best accounting firm then it can create big difference between you and your competitors. In this article, i will discuss about Top 5 Biggest Accounting and Consulting Services Provider firms, which helps you to manage financial statements, Taxes, Risks and All over financial management services in the business.

1. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Introduction:

PwC is one of the largest professional services networks in the world, offering a wide range of accounting and consulting services. With a global presence and a strong reputation, PwC is a reliable choice for startups looking to manage their finances effectively.

Benefits:

Expertise in various industries: PwC’s extensive industry knowledge ensures that startups receive tailored advice and solutions.

Comprehensive financial advisory services: From financial planning to risk management, PwC provides a full suite of advisory services.

Strong global network: With offices in numerous countries, PwC offers startups the benefit of a global perspective.

Access to the latest technology and tools: PwC utilizes cutting-edge technology to enhance service delivery and efficiency.

Services Provided:

Audit and Assurance: PwC conducts thorough audits to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Tax Services: PwC offers tax planning, compliance, and advisory services to help startups minimize tax liabilities.

Consulting and Advisory: PwC provides strategic advice on business operations, growth strategies, and market entry.

Risk Management: PwC helps startups identify, assess, and mitigate risks to protect their business.

Pricing: PwC’s pricing varies based on the complexity and scope of services. They offer customized packages to suit different business needs.

Location: PwC has offices in major cities across the globe, including New York, London, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Working Hours: Typically, PwC offices operate from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, but they offer flexible working hours and remote support.

2. Deloitte

Introduction:

Deloitte is another global leader in accounting and professional services, known for its innovative solutions and extensive industry knowledge. Deloitte offers a broad range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of startups.

Benefits:

Industry-specific expertise: Deloitte’s knowledge of various industries helps startups navigate specific challenges.

Comprehensive advisory services: Deloitte provides end-to-end advisory services, from strategy to execution.

Advanced technological solutions: Deloitte uses advanced technologies to deliver efficient and effective services.

Strong global presence: With offices worldwide, Deloitte provides startups with a global perspective and local expertise.

Services Provided:

Audit and Assurance: Deloitte offers rigorous audit services to ensure financial accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Tax Services: Deloitte provides comprehensive tax planning, compliance, and advisory services.

Consulting and Advisory: Deloitte offers strategic consulting services to help startups grow and scale.

Risk Management: Deloitte helps startups identify and mitigate risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience.

Pricing: Deloitte offers competitive pricing with tailored solutions for startups. Their fees depend on the services required and the business’s size.

Location: Deloitte has offices in over 150 countries, including major startup hubs like San Francisco, Berlin, and Singapore.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, with options for extended hours and remote consultations.

Read full Article to Know Top 5 Best Accounting Firms for Startups

#accounting services #accounting firm #accounting and finance #deloitte #startup ideas

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accountingfirmbasta · 5 months

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5 Key Considerations Before Hiring a CPA Tax Accountant

At the end of every fiscal year, tax season approaches! For every business, this particular period often involves heightened activity and responsibility. It's the time when financial matters take center stage and marketers find it challenging to navigate through the complexities. Hence, the a need for a CPA - Certified Public Accountant, simply known as a tax accountant, to manage taxes and other financial affairs.

CPA tax accountants near San Francisco play a vital role in providing accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial advisory services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. However, reaching out to the right one is pretty challenging.

Let’s dig deep into this article to learn what to consider before hiring tax accountants for the job.

Qualifications: Proper qualifications are mandatory when looking for a CPA expert. Marketers should verify their credentials and ensure that the accountant holds a valid CPA license to be a part of any organization. Additionally, one can also look for additional certifications, such as Enrolled Agent or Chartered Tax Advisor to measure their strengths and abilities.

Experience and Track Record: CPAs should have hands-on experience and a successful record in navigating the intricacies of taxation. Remember, well-experienced accountants can understand industry-specific laws and regulations. It helps them plan and prepare taxes accordingly and maximize tax deductions for any small to large business owner. Therefore, it's better to find a reliable source and determine their professionalism based on their reviews.

Fee Structure and Cost: CPA service charges vary from person to person. For instance, some accountants may charge every hour, while others have a fixed fee or package for specific services. Marketers should clarify the fee structure along with the hidden charges before signing any contract or hiring their services.

Client Support: The next important consideration is the accessibility of a tax accountant. CPA experts should possess a few qualities. For example, they should provide prompt responses to clients, address their concerns quickly and effectively, understand and take care of their responsibilities, etc. Likewise, they should be easily available whenever a client is in need. It is one of the important aspects one must consider before seeking assistance.

Compatibility: In any relationship, trust and compatibility are a must. Even if it is a professional relationship, marketers should consider transparency, professionalism, and integrity while making a selection.

Summary

In conclusion, the responsibilities of a CPA tax accountant extend far beyond tax preparation and compliance. They are considered to be trusted advisors, strategic planners, and advocates for their clients, providing comprehensive tax and financial services. They do not just help businesses navigate the complexities of the tax landscape but also assist them in achieving their financial goals.

So, it’s necessary to get in touch with a proficient team of CPA tax accountants near San Francisco. Considering the factors mentioned above is the only way out.

#CPA tax accountants near San Francisco

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otoseyir · 11 months

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Michigan becoming a hub for artificial intelligence inventions

Michigan has the largest number of artificial intelligence and machine learning patents issued in the Midwest since 2010 with the Detroit area ranking among the top nine regions for innovation across the country, according to a new report. The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area had 896 AI patents issued, making it the ninth-most innovative U.S. metro, according to CommercialCafe, a commercial real estate Internet listing service. While Silicon Valley in California far surpasses any other metro area for AI patents, metro Detroit held its own on the list largely because of the presence of the automotive industry and related suppliers, in addition to the growing startup network in Detroit, the report said. "Because the U.S. is home to several global leaders in both automotive and key automation technologies, markets like the Detroit metro area are intriguing to both investors and innovators worldwide," the October report said. "With nearly 900 AI and ML patents at the close of 2022, the Detroit MSA ranked as the ninth-most innovative metro in the U.S. — and continues to show that the Motor City inventive spirit remains strong." The companies topping the list of AI/ML patents were Ford Global Technologies with 321 patents, GM Global Technology Operations with 296 and Magna Electronics with 53 patents issued. Specifically, CommercialCafe cited the partnership between Google and Ford Motor Co. to convert the 105-year-old Michigan Central train station and surrounding neighborhood into the Michigan Central Innovation District as a hub for mobility and entrepreneurship. As part of the mobility-focused, smart city project, Google agreed to provide cloud technology, as well as work force development training to high school students and job seekers in the Detroit area, the report said. In addition to Ford, General Motors and Stellantis have established mobility and software engineering projects in Michigan in recent years, bringing Silicon Valley closer to home, it said. Ford could not be reached for comment. A GM spokesperson said the company was unable to comment on patent filings or their intended use "due to the competitive nature of the space." A growing startup center Alan Taub, director of the University of Michigan's Michigan Materials Research Institute, said an increased interest in startups is also leading to a more competitive mobility market, which is why Michigan is seeing more AI patents. "The technology revolutions of connected vehicles, self-driving vehicles and electric vehicles are moving at an unprecedented rate for the industry," Taub said. "And with the introduction of new startups, all of a sudden intellectual property moved from sort of the bare minimum to a major part of the strategy of companies. … I think if you just do a historical look at the number of patents around mobility, it has skyrocketed, because they're much more valuable, and it's a much more hyper-competitive space." HostingAdvice.com, a web-hosting information site, recently ranked Detroit as one of the top 13 cities drawing startups away from Silicon Valley. Detroit ranked No. 6 on the list, citing the city's economic resiliency after the 2008 financial crisis and the city's business-friendly tax environment. In the 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome, an innovation policy advisory and research firm based in San Francisco, Detroit was ranked the No. 1 city in the U.S. for emerging startup ecosystems. Henry Liu, an engineering professor and director of Mcity, UM's mobility testing facility, said AI is becoming an essential part of autonomous vehicles. "AI is going to transform every aspect of mobility, not only just the vehicle, but the infrastructure, the manufacturing of the vehicles, and in service to people," Liu said. A typical use of AI in mobility is in self-driving vehicles. Liu used the example of a Tesla, which has eight cameras and 12 sensors that feed information about the traffic, pedestrians and other vehicles to the control system. In the past, the development of…

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gavtaxtx · 2 years

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Tax Advisory Services for Small Business San Francisco | GavTax Advisory Services

GavTax Advisory Services is a full-service tax advisory firm serving small and mid-sized businesses in San Francisco. Our experts provide tax, accounting, and business advisory services for individuals and corporations. Please visit our website for more details.

Tax Advisory Services For Small Business San Francisco

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bandkerlon · 2 years

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Iconiq capital salary

#Iconiq capital salary full#

Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Conga. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees.Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Conga, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Conga.Proven thoughtful, collaborative and goal-oriented leadership in a fast-paced environment.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills strong problem solving and analytical skills.Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.Excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills.Proven ability in customer service, and problem resolution.Excel (pivot, vlookup) experience, data analysis skills preferred.Proven competence in MS Office, data entry and office equipment.Knowledge of federal, state (CA & NY) and local payroll tax regulations.Solid understanding of ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred.Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3-5 years of years of relevant experience (family office, wealth management or other similar experience is preferred).Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation enforcing adherence to requirements advising management on needed actions.Maintain a high rate of client satisfaction through quality service.Perform periodic audits on internal and external system controls and processes.Own and manage HR Data entry in various systems.Entry for payroll data such as bonus, reimbursements, vacation time, insurance, 401(k) deductions and other supplemental wages.Build various people analytics on various HR metrics.Help drive high client satisfaction through excellent customer service, prompt follow-up, seamless vendor management and proactive problem-solving.Exercise high degree of confidentiality relative to all payroll information and employee privacy initiatives.Actively participate in HR and Payroll policy development and documentation.Work closely with the HR team to obtain payroll data including salary adjustments, special payments, tax allocations and employee deductions.Audit, calculate and process one-time and recurring payroll data such as bonus, reimbursements, vacation time, insurance, 401(k) deductions and other supplemental wages.Research and promptly resolve employee/client/system issues, requests and inquiries.Process time-cards, calculate and track adjustments (e.g.

#Iconiq capital salary full#

Process full cycle semi-monthly payroll in ADP and UPRO payroll system for 260+ employees.The HRIS and Payroll Specialist will work closely with the HRIS Systems & Analytics Lead on people analytics, resolving questions and problems and supports with delivering quality customer service. This role is accountable and responsible for all aspects of Payroll, HRIS and People Analytics for the firm. The HRIS and Payroll Specialist is a critical member of the Human Capital Team. OPEN POSITION: HRIS and Payroll Specialist With over 240 people across San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York, and Singapore, ICONIQ provides financial advisory and family office services, and manages direct investments with a focus on technology growth equity, venture capital, and real estate. We are a trusted advisor and thought partner, facilitating meaningful strategic relationships across investment opportunities, family governance and global impact. ICONIQ Capital is a privately-held investment firm that serves some of the world's most influential families and organizations.

#Iconiq capital salary

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jamisonjain7-blog · 5 years

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Changes In The Medical Cannabis Industry

The state-legal medical marijuana industry possesses seen some important changes in 2015. Even though this federal rules remain unaffected in levy time dispensary masters, stating, medible producers and everyone different in the places with a good state-legal medical marijuana business should know these changes with income tax time. By rules anyone who else brings within $1 worth associated with organization income must report some sort of tax return with all the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. That is when that they be able to subtract their business breaks. Marijuana business men and women are no exception. If your state has repealed medical prohibition, it can be the politician's job to be able to get unfair federal government rules changed for their inhabitants and businesses. A transformation around those federal laws would likely save American taxpayers over $13 billion each year. Time has proven weed is not necessarily a gateway drug, neither does that cause madness because movie producers when mentioned the idea did to joy their particular viewers. And if smoking a medicine is typically the issue, medical users just where dispensaries are available have realized they can as well vaporize, eat medibles, drink up juice or other liquids, use tinctures, pills or maybe sprays. Public consumption is usually down where medical pot clubs are available. Any other tiny or large business is definitely allowed rebates when they accomplish their particular IRS federal go back. In the states where pot is lawful for professional medical purposes there are businesses of which should have to turn out to be treated rather. There happen to be 23 states along with the Area of Columbia that now make it possible for medical marijuana; these states collect taxes (or system on collecting taxes) make control in place for the health professional prescribed case. Just before America's state-legal weed marketers and women can easily be competitive fairly those united states laws and regulations must be repealed. mushroom for sale made inside a San Francisco national court blocks the DEA from prosecuting medical pot dispensaries if they happen to be state-sanctioned. Typically the Rohrabacher-Farr Betterment bars the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using federal money to block state pot laws. This kind of 1603-page federal spending record essentially brings a great end towards the use involving the taxpayer's money to dam marijuana's medical use. Just where medical marijuana is readily available lawfully, sustainable healthcare can be up in addition to overdoses upon prescription products is down. Pot is claimed to be a super antiseptic, good for strokes in addition to other human brain problems, useful to alleviate pain, queasieness, Parkinson, inflammatory digestive tract condition, PTSD, epilepsy plus some other seizures, kill cancer tumor and even Forbes magazine perhaps requested if your aging mom or dad should try it. Medical professional. Sanjay Gupta has mentioned we should legalize clinical marijuana now. This the plant that was when listed in the Circumstance. S. Pharmacopeia and quickly available in drug stores. Having its employ people have got walked out of hospices and hospitals to dwell larger lives. The Circumstance. S i9000 federal govt offers actually owned patent #6630507 given that 2003 for it has the use because an antioxidant and neuroprotectant. The DOJ issued a good mentecato of which allows Indian people in order to grow and sell medical marijuana issues land. Other nations and the ones are also rushing to end the clinical prohibition; for example Israel uses marijuana in their nursing homes and for analysis. Numerous senators and governors want it legalized regarding medical use yet again. The IRS Advisory Signal Record says marijuana web based now legal in some states, but still illegal underneath national law. Cannabis organizations are not necessarily allowed to deduct all of their expenses since the federal government claims no deduction or credit rating shall be allowed regarding any amount paid as well as suffered if many of these deal or even business (or the particular pursuits of the trade as well as business) consists connected with trafficking in a restricted material. Pot according to help federal laws is a restricted substance with no clinical use; yet the federal government government keeps a particular for medical related use. These who want to continue to keep medical marijuana illegal are mostly getting rich off associated with that being a good outlawed element, although many give no taxes on often the money they gain. This specific includes the corrupt, outlawed growers, dealers, trimmers in addition to medible makers, people acquiring taxpayer assistance checks although working in this buy and sell, and people who want in order to keep weed on often the black market. They will not care and attention what the citizens need, how they voted, or maybe regardless of whether it helps a person's medical condition, so long as they make money. Health care medical marijuana users and business enterprise owners in the areas where the citizens possess identified to make marijuana's apply legal once all over again need to have normal meetings with their express political figures to discuss the not fair taxation problems. This people have voiced, nowadays it's the politician's turn to get those laws improved.

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newstfionline · 2 years

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Friday, June 24, 2022

After year of violence, US schools try to tame tensions (AP) The first week of school was supposed to mark a triumphant return to classrooms at San Francisco’s Everett Middle School after more than a year of distance learning. But as computer science teacher Yesi Castro-Mitchell welcomed a class of sixth graders last fall, a student started punching her, again and again. Castro-Mitchell wrapped her arms around her head and hoped for the blows to stop. She remembers the stunned silence in her classroom as other students witnessed the assault. The teacher suffered a concussion, a dislocated jaw, chipped teeth and hearing loss in her left ear that now requires a hearing aid. Across America, one of the nation’s most difficult academic years was also one of the most violent. Experts who track school behavior nationwide said fights and other aggressive behavior, including shootings, appear to have increased. Now, with students heading out on summer break, schools are taking stock of what went wrong and how to fix it. Educators and psychologists say the pandemic contributed to the volatility in schools by causing a surge in student mental health problems, trauma at home, a lack of socializing opportunities, and a shortage of teachers and counselors that reduced adult supervision and guidance.

IRS has backlog of 21.3 million paper tax returns, watchdog says (Washington Post) More than 21 million paper tax returns are still waiting for processing by the Internal Revenue Service, as the tax agency struggles to swiftly disburse refunds to American households, according to a watchdog report released Wednesday. Most taxpayers file their returns electronically, but millions of others—disproportionately the elderly—still fill out their returns manually. National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins said in her report that the IRS backlog this year is 21.3 million paper returns, 7 percent more than the 20 million that were awaiting processing at the same time last year. The report may add to the political headaches for the IRS, with Commissioner Charles Rettig’s term set to expire at the end of this fall. The agency has faced budget cuts, outdated technological systems and a depleted workforce that have made it less responsive to taxpayer needs. But the growth of the backlog of paper returns relative to last year amounts to a setback for the agency, after Rettig vowed to “crush” the backlog this year.

Ecuador rejects Indigenous protesters’ dialogue conditions (AP) Violent protests by Indigenous people demanding a variety of changes, including lower fuel prices, have paralyzed Ecuador’s capital and other regions, but the government on Wednesday rejected their conditions for dialogue. Quito, the capital, is experiencing food and fuel shortages after 10 days of demonstrations in which protesters at times have clashed with police. After officials rejected the conditions for negotiations, the United States government issued an advisory urging travelers to reconsider visiting the country due to “civil unrest and crime.” The demonstrations are part of a national strike that the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities began June 14 to demand that gasoline prices be cut by 45 cents a gallon to $2.10, price controls for agricultural products and a larger budget for education. Protests have been especially violent in six provinces in the north-central part of the South American country.

Finland is ready to fight Russia if attacked—defence chief (Reuters) Finland has prepared for decades for a Russian attack and would put up stiff resistance should one occur, its armed forces chief said. The Nordic country has built up a substantial arsenal. But aside from the military hardware, General Timo Kivinen said, a crucial factor is that Finns would be motivated to fight. “The most important line of defence is between one’s ears, as the war in Ukraine proves at the moment,” Kivinen said in an interview. Finland fought two wars in the 1940s against its eastern neighbour, with which it shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border. “We have systematically developed our military defence precisely for this type of warfare that is being waged there (in Ukraine), with a massive use of firepower, armoured forces and also airforces,” Kivinen said. “Ukraine has been a tough bite to chew (for Russia) and so would be Finland.”

Russia Gains in the East, Threatening to Overrun Luhansk (NYT) Ukrainian forces dug in for a last-ditch defense against Russian advances Wednesday in Luhansk Province, where the invaders now threaten to overrun two major cities that had resisted their halting progress. The prospect of a Russian takeover of the embattled cities, Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, left Ukrainian commanders with the stark choice to stay and fight, risking severed supply lines and the encirclement of thousands of defenders, or withdraw and forfeit the last major urban centers in Luhansk, part of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. For weeks, the Russians had been content to lay back and fire artillery and rockets on the Ukrainian forces before trying to push forward with tanks and troops. This strategy culminated in an apparent breakthrough Wednesday as the Russians seized three strategic villages, the regional governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai, conceded. From the villages—Mirna Dolina, Podlisne and Toshkivka—the Russian troops have gained higher ground to fire on Lysychansk, including with shorter-range artillery. While the villages are small, their collapse within days of one another amounts to a significant breach in Ukraine’s defenses, bringing Russian forces to the doorstep of Lysychansk and threatening the dwindling supply routes into the city.

Germany triggers gas alarm stage, accuses Russia of 'economic attack' (Reuters) Germany triggered the "alarm stage" of its emergency gas plan on Thursday in response to falling Russian supplies but stopped short of allowing utilities to pass on soaring energy costs to customers in Europe's largest economy. The measure is the latest escalation in a standoff between Europe and Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine that has exposed the bloc's dependence on Russian gas supplies and sparked a frantic search for alternative energy sources. Lower gas flows sparked warnings this week that Germany could fall into recession if Russian supplies halted altogether. S&P Global's flash Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) on Thursday showed the economy losing momentum in the second quarter. Gas rationing would hopefully be avoided but cannot be ruled out, Economy Minister Robert Habeck said.

Turkey, Saudi hail ‘new era of cooperation’ as prince visits (AP) Turkey and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday declared their determination to start a “new era of cooperation” during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as they set aside years of acrimony following the brutal slaying of a Saudi columnist. Prince Mohammed—making his first trip to Turkey following the killing, by Saudi agents, of Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul—held one-on-one talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that lasted some two hours. Efforts by the regional heavyweights to improve their ties come as Turkey faces its worst economic crisis in two decades and is trying to draw investments from wealthy Gulf Arab states. Turkey has also taken steps to improve relations with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Israel. Talks with the UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan late last year led to investment deals worth $10 billion after years of regional rivalry. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has been trying to broaden its alliances at a time of strained relations with Washington. The crown prince also seeks to put an end to the scandal over Khashoggi’s killing that damaged his reputation.

Afghanistan quake (Washington Post) Heavy rain and strong winds were frustrating search and rescue efforts after a massive earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 1,000 and injuring more than 1,600, government officials said. A sudden downpour washed away roads leading to some of the hardest-hit areas in Paktika province, according to doctors at the main hospital in the capital city of Sharana. “There are hundreds injured still in their villages without aid or shelter, but they cannot leave because of the flooded roads,” said one of the doctors, Kamran Khan. Khan added that 10 ambulances are stuck in a district where hundreds of homes were flattened. The storms also grounded rescue helicopters for several hours Wednesday. A Taliban government spokesman, Bilal Karimi, tweeted that the country would welcome help from international organizations.

Sri Lanka’s economy has ‘completely collapsed,’ prime minister says (Washington Post) “Collapsed.” A “serious situation.” And potentially, a “fall to rock bottom.” Those are some of the ways Sri Lanka’s prime minister described his country’s faltering economy Wednesday as the island nation faces extreme food and fuel shortages. The comments to Parliament from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe come after weeks of turmoil caused by government incompetence, experts say—a dynamic exacerbated by global inflation and supply chain disarray amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the lingering impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. “We are now facing a far more serious situation beyond the mere shortages of fuel, gas, electricity and food,” Wickremesinghe said, speaking in Sinhala. “Our economy has faced a complete collapse.” Sri Lanka, a country of 23 million off the southeastern coast of India, has essentially had the door to fuel supplies shut in its face, as its national Ceylon Petroleum Corp. is $700 million in debt. “No country or organization in the world is willing to provide fuel to us,” the prime minister said. “They are even reluctant to provide fuel for cash.”

Under pressure from Beijing, Hong Kong’s schools become more patriotic (Washington Post) A decade ago, thousands of Hong Kong students hit the streets to protest proposed changes in the school curriculum they felt were designed to brainwash them and strip critical thinking from the classroom. Taken aback by the magnitude of the demonstrations, authorities quickly shelved the idea. Ten years later, even more drastic revisions of the curriculum are taking place with barely a murmur, as an all-encompassing security law written by Beijing crushes dissent in a city once characterized by its open debate. New textbooks have been written saying that Hong Kong was “occupied” but never a British “colony.” A list of banned books—which the government refuses to publicize—has librarians on edge. A school subject devoted to cultivating critical thinking and creativity will be replaced by one focusing on citizen values. Many teachers are taking a look at the new environment and leaving.

A corruption inquiry ends in South Africa. Will justice follow? (Washington Post) For three years, South Africans watched live on television as a massive corruption inquiry took aim at some of its post powerful people. The accusations centered on the country’s former president, Jacob Zuma, and his associates, and the misdeeds recounted were sprawling and salacious. On Wednesday evening, the commission charged with investigating these allegations released the final sections of its report. “If you look at the history of commissions like this in South Africa, they are very good at aiming a spotlight into a dark corner and making [information] public,” says Bianca Goodson, a whistleblower who testified before the commission. “But what happens from there is less clear.”

Poll: Americans’ belief in God is dropping (Religion News Service) Belief in God has been one of the strongest, most reliable markers of the persistence of American religiosity over the years. But a new Gallup Poll suggests that may be changing. In the latest Gallup Poll, belief in God dipped to 81%, down 6 percentage points from 2017, and the lowest since Gallup first asked the question in 1944. Even at 81%, Americans’ belief in God remains robust, at least in comparison with Europe, where only 26% said they believed in the God of the Bible, and an additional 36% believe in a higher power, according to a 2018 Pew poll. Throughout the post-World War II era, an overwhelming 98% of U.S. adults said they believed in God. That began to fall in 2011, when 92% of Americans said they believed in God and, in 2013, went down again to 87%. The latest decline may be part of the larger growth in the number of Americans who are unaffiliated or say they have no religion in particular. About 29% of Americans are religious “nones”—people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” when asked about their religious identity.

#headlines #news

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