Corpse goes missing; cops clueless
Panaji: The North Goa (Bicholim) police are clueless about the corpse of a 60-year-old man, Karim Ahmed Attar, which went missing from a Muslim burial ground in Sankhali, North Goa, on Saturday.Speaking to The Hindu on Sunday, a Bicholim police station official said an investigation was on in the case, but no progress has been made yet. Police inspector Narayan Chimulkar, Bicholim police station, had said, “Attar’s family had gone to the graveyard ten days after the burial, to perform some rituals, where they saw the body of the deceased was missing.” Upon receiving the complaint, the police pressed a dog squad into service. A set of gloves were found in the area.
The Bandodkar Gold Cup, the award for a top football tournament of the 1970s in the State, that was made of solid gold once has been switched with one made from a less precious metal, said former Chief Minister, and president of Churchill Brothers football club, Churchill Alemao, on Saturday.At a press conference here, Mr. Alemao vowed to launch a probe into the switch, if he wins the upcoming election for the president of the Goa Football Association (GFA). However, he admitted he did not know when it happened or in which president’s tenure. The former Chief Minister said,”The Bandodkar Gold Cup was made of pure gold weighing several kilos. But now the GFA claims that it is not made of gold. So where has it gone?”GFA president Elvis Gomes responded by asking why Mr. Alemao who had several years to file a police complaint on the matter had not done so already. Responding to the allegations made by Mr. Alemao that the GFA was delaying the association’s polls to deny him the opportunity to contest the elections on account of his age, Mr. Gomes said, “Football is not just about Churchill Alemao. Is he the only person running football? This shows that for him football is all about himself and not about the sport or the fraternity.”Mr. Alemao had said that he is about to turn 70, and the GFA’s rules debars those above 70 years to function as president. Instituted in 1970 by then Chief Minister, the late Dayanand Bandodkar, the tournament was disbanded in 1994. It was only revived some years ago by the GFA.
Canadian Milos Raonic, ranked number six in the world, is the first player to be named in the rest of the world team that will take on Europe in the inaugural Laver Cup from September 22-24 in Prague this year.The Laver Cup, a three-day competition modelled on golf’s Ryder Cup, will pit a team of six top players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world.Players will officially qualify based on their post-Wimbledon rankings, and the teams will be finalised following the U.S. Open in September.Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are already confirmed to play for Team Europe, with Tomas Berdych committing to play if qualified or selected.”I can’t wait to be part of the first ever Laver Cup. It’s a tremendous opportunity and I’m really looking forward to being part of this unique team competition,” Raonic said in a statement on Monday.”Taking on the Europeans is no easy task. They’ve already got Roger and Rafa on board and we’ve all seen how well they’ve started 2017.”Team World is being captained by John McEnroe, while Bjorn Borg will captain Europe during the tournament, which will comprise two singles and a doubles match each day.”Milos is incredibly impressive, both as a player and a person, and I’m very pleased he’s committed to playing the Laver Cup in September,” McEnroe said in the same statement.”We know Team Europe is incredibly strong on paper, and that Roger and Rafa have both had an unbelievable start to the year,” he said.advertisement”But we are putting together a bunch of players who I have no doubt will be the next generation of Grand Slam winners, and Milos is definitely up there as a contender.”
advertisement When Harmanpreet Kaur came out to bat, little did anyone watching know the number of record she would break by the time she was done.Coming out to bat after India were reduced to 35/2 in just 9.2 overs, the Indian all-rounder blasted 171 not out off only 115 deliveries to help India post a massive 281 for four in a rain-shortened 42-overs-a-side Women’s World Cup semi-final at Derby.Kaur’s record breaking innings was studded with 20 fours and seven sixes.The 28-year-old Harmanpreet was involved in two crucial partnerships – 66 runs with skipper Mithali Raj (36 from 61 balls) for the third wicket and then a 137-run fourth wicket stand with Deepti Sharma (25 from 35) – changing the course of the game.Here is a statistical look at the breathtaking innings: – This was Harmanpreet Kaur’s highest ever knock. Her previous best was 107*.- Harmanpreet Kaur became the second Indian to score 150+ after Deepti Sharma- Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171* is now the second highest after Chamari Atapattu’s 178* in this tournament- Kaur’s first 50 came in 64 balls, second in 26, third in 17 and the last 21 runs in just 8 balls- Harmanpreet Kaur also hammered the 100th sixth of the ongoing tournament.- This was also a best score by an Indian in a World Cup since Kapil Dev’s 175 in 1983Kapil Dev 175* in 138 balls in 1983 = Harmanpreet Kaur 171* in 115 balls in 2017 ???#WWC17 #IndvsAus- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 20, 2017Harmanpreet Kaur 171* in 115 ballsdot balls: 431s: 412s: 44s: 206s: 7#WWC17 #IndvsAus- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 20, 2017 171 – Harmanpreet Kaur has posted 171* – only 3 players have ever scored a higher score in the Women’s World Cup. Outstanding. #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/DciaD46lBy- OptaJim (@OptaJim) July 20, 2017
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone tried to stay grounded Friday’s stunning pre-season rout over Real Madrid.Atletico ran riot at the International Champions Cup after humiliating La Liga rivals Madrid 7-3 in New Jersey on Friday.Diego Costa scored a first-half hat-trick and four goals in total for Atletico, who led 5-0 at half-time, while Joao Felix netted his first goal since arriving from Benfica. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? It was a stunning performance at MetLife Stadium but Atletico head coach Simeone played down the result.”I do not rush to anything,” Simeone told reporters. “I live the reality of the moment. It was a good game. I see them with enthusiasm, optimism, enthusiasm. Now wait for the next game to rotate the players and get to La Liga.””I do not consider this match to be the reality of potential between each other,” added Simeone, whose Atletico finished second behind Barcelona in La Liga last season, ahead of Madrid.Atletico stormed out of the blocks after Costa opened the scoring inside 43 seconds before Joao Felix doubled the lead seven minutes later.Angel Correa and another Costa goal made it 4-0 by the 28th minute, with the latter completing his hat-trick via the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.Costa netted his fourth six minutes into the second half before he was sent off, along with Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, as tempers boiled over.
“We prepared the game well. Having seen Madrid, we looked for where we could harm them,” Simeone said. “We tried to find good places at the exit of the ball … and we were very precise, that in football it is important.”There is always something that can be improved. Beyond the scoreboard Madrid went to our end with great force. And they had chances. That has to be adjusted and try to add talent and effort. Today all the important teams have three or four talented players in the group.”Portuguese sensation Joao Felix showed there is life after Antoine Griezmann with a dazzling display, which included a goal and two assists for Atletico.On his big-money signing, Simeone added: “I see him better playing in front, with people ahead, so that with his vision of the game he can hurt.”When you have Joao’s talent and enthusiasm for improvement you can play anywhere.”
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and all of the options for what to do with it. They can take a pass rusher like Nick Bosa, they can kick quarterback Josh Rosen to the curb and draft Kyler Murray, or they can just trade the pick and let someone else draft Murray. Based on one mock draft, the third option could be the ideal option.According to a mock draft from CBS Sports NFL Writer Will Brinson, the Cardinals will trade the No. 1 overall pick the Oakland Raiders, who will make the jump from No. 5 overall.Brinson’s mock has the Raiders using their new pick to draft Murray.We are all talking about the Cardinals taking Kyler Murray with the first overall pick and I think that’s entirely possible/likely, but I do want to explore another universe — perhaps one the Cards like even more — where they get to keep their current quarterback, trade down and, you know, give him some help.It certainly seems to be a move that the Raiders are well-situated to make. They have three first round draft picks thanks to trades with the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, and are the only team in the top-five with a truly-pressing need at the quarterback position.Brinson also noted with some irony that it was the Raiders that the Cardinals traded with to move up to No. 12 overall in 2018 to draft quarterback Josh Rosen.In this particular instance, I’m having the Raiders move all the way up to No. 1 overall, trading with the same team that they helped get Rosen last year, and the Cardinals moving down.Rosen went 3-10 as a starter as a rookie. The team wound up finishing with a league-worst 3-13 record, culminating in the firing of Steve Wilks and the hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as the new head coach.Curiously though, Brinson’s trade scenario does not include the Raiders trading either of their extra first-round picks to the Cardinals to make the trade happen.The incumbent Raiders quarterback is Derek Carr, who saw career-highs in completion percentage, and passing yards, but career-lows in touchdown passes.[CBS Sports]
zoom Monaco-based bulker owner and operator Scorpio Bulkers resumed its recovery streak from the first quarter slashing its half-year net loss to USD 48 million in 2017 from a net loss of USD 83 million reported for the six months ended June 30, 2016.Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) revenue was USD 72.2 million in the first half of 2017, Scorpio said, with TCE revenue per day of USD 8,673 for the first half of 2017, almost doubling from last year’s USD 4,396.“TCE revenue increased significantly versus the prior year due to the increase in rates, attributable to increased worldwide demand across all bulk sectors, regions, and commodities, as well as a reduction in supply as fewer vessels are now on order, combined with the increase in revenue days associated with the growth of our fleet,” the company explained.For the second quarter of 2017 the company’s GAAP net loss was USD 13.4 million, also down year-on-year when compared to last year’s USD 24.7 million net loss.Scorpio said that it has agreed with lenders in July 2017 to reinstate the deferred debt repayments on its USD 45.4 million debt facility.“Under these agreements in principal, we will be required to make principal payments of approximately USD 7.3 million in the third quarter of 2017 and quarterly principal payments ranging from USD 1.0 million to USD 4.5 million per quarter from the fourth quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020,” the company added.As a result, all restrictions on the payment of dividends that were put in place as part of prior loan amendments have been removed from the company’s credit facilities.During the second quarter of 2017, Scorpio sold SBI Cakewalk and SBI Charleston for USD 22.5 million each, and took delivery of SBI Jive, a Kamsarmax vessel, delivered from Hudong-Zhonghua (Group), thus completing delivery of all 46 vessels in the company’s newbuilding program.In addition, during the quarter Scorpio hired an Ultramax vessel within a time charter-in agreement lasting for two years at approximately USD 10,125 per day. The charter hire can be extended for one year at approximately USD 10,885 per day, and is expected to commence by the end of October 2017.
APTN National NewsNegotiations between Nishnawbe-Aski police and the federal government for a new contract have failed and the largest Indigenous police force is threatening to strike.Talks broke down Wednesday and NAPS has filed notice with the Ontario Labour Relations Board to allow for strike or lock-out within the next couple of weeks.NAPS said officer safety is one of the key issues remaining as officers typically work in remote First Nations in northern Ontario with no backup.“Low staffing levels and outdated equipment put officers in danger, along with the communities they service,” said Jason Storkson, a police officer in the community and the union local president in a statement.Pay is another issue, as the union said NAPS’ officers may be trained like other police officers in the country but fail to have the same type of pay.NAPS polices 35 First Nations from Thunder Bay to Hudson’s Bay.
THIS IS RAJU. Source: Wildlife SOSHe recently took his first steps as a free elephant after living in captivity for 50 years, thanks to the UK charity Wildlife SOS.The charity believe Raju was poached from the wilds at an early age and has been working as a ‘begging elephant’ in Allahabad, India for half a century – during which time he was beaten, starved and chained with spikes that made it painful for him to move. Source: Wildlife SOS Source: Wildlife SOSThe charity obtained permission from the authorities to free Raju and take him to an animal shelter to recover and rest at last.According to the Wildlife SOS website, the rescue operation began on 2 July and was not without its difficulties – Raju’s owners were uncooperative and pulled the chains and spikes on his legs tighter to prevent the team from freeing him.When the team finally attempted to remove his chains, the elephant appeared to cry with relief. Source: Wildlife SOS Source: New York Daily News/YouTubeNow, the charity say, the process of healing will have to begin. He is being treated for the wounds caused by years in spiked chains, and chowing down on all types of delicious fruit. Source: Wildlife SOS“More than anything, now is the time for Raju to rest,” the charity says on their website. “After 50 years, he deserves it.”We’re not crying. There’s something in our eye.Goat tries to make sense of an inflatable chair, fails>Bo the dog is terrified to pass the cat on the stairs, and we don’t blame him>
Azio Aventa MouseYes, the mouse you use can make a huge difference in your gameplay, and this one from Azio is among the best you can get. The Aventa boasts a top-grade PixArt PMW3360 optical sensor and reliable Huano button switches for an improved response time plus an ergonomic design for superior comfort. And it looks like a winner, too, thanks to its striking features and finish.Score extra savings and get it for only $55.25 when you use the code SAVE15TODAY. Stay on target Azio MK MAC USB KeyboardMac owners are usually hesitant to upgrade using components from third-party manufacturers. But this mechanical keyboard from Azio is different. On top of functioning better than a standard Mac keyboard, it maintains your machine’s sleek and clean aesthetic. It features an elegant bead-blasted aluminum finish and function keys that offers easy access to apps.Enter code SAVE15TODAY to save an extra 15 percent and get it for just $67.15. Like this deal? Check out Vault — you’ll get four premium tools, including NordVPN and Dashlane, to supercharge your online security. Try it free for 14 days now!Prices subject to change. Azio MK MAC USB Keyboard – $79See Deal Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth Keyboard – $185See Deal
Azio Aventa Mouse – $65See Deal Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth KeyboardWho says a keyboard has to look dull? The Retro Classic from Azio is a mechanical keyboard that looks like it’s from the 1950’s but is designed to meet the needs of today’s discerning computer user. It features both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a huge internal battery, and it’s backlit so you can see it even in low-light conditions.The Retro Classic is normally $220 but you’ll get it this Labor Day weekend for just $186.99 when you enter the code SAVE15TODAY. Whether you’re into sports games, shooters, or RPGs, skill alone isn’t enough to be competitive. If you want to dominate online, you need to make sure you’re playing with the right gear. Is your setup up to the task? If not, upgrade your keyboard and mouse with these functional and stylish options from Azio. They’re all on sale today, and you can even take an extra 15% off the sale price when you use the SAVE15TODAY coupon code at checkout. Read on for details: This $500 SEO Tool Is Only $24 TodayThis Easy-to-Fly LED Drone Performs Acrobatic Moves 
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information related to an ongoing child molestation case in which the suspect is involved with multiple local church youth and civic groups, and other youth activities. Robert Wilson Rector, 28, of Vancouver was formally charged in June in Clark County Superior Court with three counts of third-degree child molestation, one count of attempted third-degree child molestation and one count of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation.The sheriff’s office said Rector has been involved with multiple youth activity groups since 2009, and his participation included out-of-state travel with the organizations.Investigators say they believe there may be additional victims or witnesses with information relevant to the case.According to an affidavit of probable cause, three males described incidents where Rector touched them sexually. All three said the abuse occurred when they were about 15 or younger.Court records say Rector, a leader in a church youth group, would sometimes host gatherings at his home. The three victims recalled instances where group members would stay overnight at Rector’s house — which wasn’t an uncommon occurrence, they said — then wake to find Rector sexually abusing them. One of the victims said Rector also snapped photos of him while he slept.
MEDFORD, MA — Medford Mayor Stephanie M. Burke recently announced the appointment of Detective Lieutenant John D. “Jack” Buckley as the City of Medford’s new Chief of Police.Buckley’s role as Chief follows 20 years of committed service to public safety and an uncompromised devotion to the citizens of Medford. Having been sworn in as a Patrol Officer in 1998, Lieutenant Buckley served as a Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant and most recently a Detective Lieutenant.“I am pleased to appoint and welcome Lieutenant Buckley to his new role as Chief of Police,” said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke. “At the completion of a selection process that included, for the first time, an assessment center, I am impressed with the quality of candidates for the position of Police Chief. That is why I am proud to appoint Lieutenant Buckley as Chief. From this pool of outstanding candidates, he proved himself to be exceptionally qualified to serve and lead the police department. I admire his commitment to ethics, discipline and hard work, which has been demonstrated in every rank he has served. He is well respected in the community and the department.”“I am deeply honored to be named as the next Chief of Police and to follow in the footsteps of Chief Sacco. I want to thank Mayor Burke for her trust and commitment to public safety,” said Lieutenant Jack Buckley. “Under my leadership, the focus of the Medford Police Department will continue to be to strengthen trust, confidence and maintain a partnership with all members of the community. I will uphold the commitment the City has made toward diversity and inclusivity. I hold the men and women of the Department in high esteem and look forward to working alongside them to serve all.”Buckley shared several goals he hopes to bring to the department such as, establishing a new mission statement, appointing a Hate Crime Officer and augmenting diversity within the department by developing a formal recruiting effort to teach potential candidates the Civil Service process.“I am confident that Lieutenant Buckley is prepared and committed to carry forward the work of retired Chief Sacco and forge relations with our growing diverse population as Chief of Police,” said Neil Osborne, Director of Diversity & Inclusion. “The City’s Chief of Police plays a critical role in fulfilling a promise that Medford is a welcoming City to all.”Lieutenant Buckley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College. He is the devoted husband to Dawn Buckley and the proud dad of Allyson and Sara.“We are thoroughly appreciative of all candidates who participated in the assessment center as well as the interviews that took place last week. We thank them for their commitment to public safety and their continued service in the City of Medford,” added Burke.A formal swearing in ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 19th at 6 p.m. in the Howard Alden Memorial Chambers.Jack Buckley(NOTE: The above press release is from the Medford Mayor’s Office.)Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.Thank You To Our Sponsor:Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading… RelatedMedford Police Officer Jason Montalbano, of Wilmington, Lauded For Saving Man’s LifeIn “Police Log”Lt. Brian Pupa Named Wilmington Deputy Police ChiefIn “Police Log”Joe Desmond Appointed Permanent Wilmington Police ChiefIn “Police Log”
Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.Download AudioCity of Bethel Investigation Reveals Improper Contracts and Perks Ben Matheson, KYUK – BethelThe Bethel City Council has released a redacted version of its investigation into city contracts, nepotism, and personnel issues. The investigation led to the firing of Bethel’s city manager in May.NOAA Considers State’s Petition To Delist HumpbackLisa Phu, KTOO – JuneauThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will look into whether to take the Central North Pacific humpback whale off the Endangered Species list.The State of Alaska submitted a petition to remove the whale from the list at the end of February. NOAA announced today it has enough information to warrant further research. This is the second petition NOAA has received to take endangered protections away from the humpback whale.Pavlof Volcano Downgraded To Lowest Alert Level Annie Ropeik, KUCB – UnalaskaThe Alaska Volcano Observatory has downgraded Pavlof to the lowest alert level. Volcanologist Tina Neal says the volcano isn’t producing new lava flows. And it hasn’t released much ash since early this month.Questions Remain Despite Successful Missile Defense TestDan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksA physicist with the Union of Concerned Scientists is calling the Ground Based Midcourse Missile Defense System, less than proven, despite Sunday’s successful test over the Pacific Ocean.National Parks Prohibiting UAVsAaron Berner, KUAC – FairbanksA new National Park Service policy prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft. It’s intended to give the agency time to assess the risks and benefits of allowing UAV’s in Parks.Alaska’s STD Rates IncreaseAnne Hillman, KSKA – AnchorageThe state’s Department of Health is reporting an increase in sexually transmitted diseases in Alaska. In 2013, Gonorrhea and syphilis infections were up more than 50 percent from 2012. Alaska was ranked first in the nation for Chlamydia infections in 2013. And in just the first five months of this year, 23 new cases of HIV have been diagnosed and reported. That’s one less than last year’s total.State Scores Well On Long-Term Care Report CardJoaqlin Estus, KNBA – AnchorageAlaska ranked 5th in the nation in a recent state scorecard on long-term services for older adults, the disabled, and family caregivers. However, local experts say gaps in the system can cause big problems.Salmon Signs Appear And Disappear In BethelDaysha Eaton, KSKA – AnchorageBrightly colored wooden fish signs have been posted along Bethel roads this summer. The signs, with conservation messages, come in a year of king salmon closures never seen before on the Kuskokwim River. But just as quickly as the signs went up, they’ve been disappearing.
NEW DELHI: The government is in the process of preparing a list of Jammu and Kashmir politicians to be released as they are under “preventive detention” in the erstwhile state since the abrogation of Article 370, said sources. The move will be implemented in a phased manner and around 200 politicians, as well as activists, are likely to be released in the first phase in September, said a source. Also Read – Shah urges women to shun plastic bags Advertise With Us “The names are under consideration and a decision will be taken soon,” the source said requesting anonymity. The Ministry of Home Affairs has engaged its officials under close coordination with Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Additional Secretary (J&k Division) Gyanesh Kumar. The process started after a Central team comprising intelligence officials, including Intelligence Bureau Chief Arvind Kumar, returned from the state last week after meeting former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti in the state. Also Read – Free bus travel for women gets Cabinet nod Advertise With Us Both Abdullah and Mehbooba are under detention since Centre’s August 5 announcement of the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state. Sources said the team comprising senior Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officials have sent a report to the Home Ministry after their meeting with Jammu and Kashmir leaders in the Valley. Advertise With Us The Central team had camped in Srinagar for two days and returned on August 23. As the special team largely focused on discussion over easing the leaders back into the Valley, the Ministry is planning how many leaders should be released in the first phase and whom to be released first, said the source. While Omar Abdullah is in Hari Niwas Palace, Mehbooba Mufti has been put up in Chashme Shahi. It is learnt that the leaders after their release from preventive detention might not be allowed to organize any public rally. The leaders are learnt to be allowed only to meet their relatives, political leaders and people in their areas, said the source. Since the abrogation of Article 370, thousands of people, including Jammu and Kashmir politicians and activists, were kept under preventive detention to maintain law and order and to avoid breach of peace in the region. When the decision was announced, the regional leaders had said that Jammu and Kashmir will face adverse consequences as a result of the abrogation. However, the state, according to the Home Ministry, has largely remained peaceful since the announcement. While the Centre has not allowed mainstream leaders to visit Kashmir, citing law and order situation and prohibitory orders, the decision to finally ease-out regional leaders has been taken keeping in view important international developments. Over a thousand people, including political leaders, separatists, activists and stone pelters, have been detained in Kashmir over fears of outbreaks of unrest after the BJP government removed the special status to the state. They were arrested and held under the Public Safety Act (PSA), a controversial law that allows authorities to imprison someone for up to two years without charge or trial.
Representational imageTwitterIndia’s novel goods and services tax (GST) system is one of the most complex and second highest tax rate among a sample of 115 countries, according to the World Bank.The GST, implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1 last year, replaced a jumble of tariffs and levies imposed by the centre and states.While the government assured that GST will help curb black or untaxed money and steadily expand the base of taxpayers, complicated tax slabs and lack of proper IT infrastructure proved a major hurdle for businesses.GST currently have four slabs, a low rate of 5 percent, two standard rates of 12 percent and 18 percent, and a high rate of 28 percent. Separately, gold is taxed at 3 percent, precious stones at 0.25 percent, while alcohol, petroleum products, stamp duties on real estate and electricity duties are excluded from the GST.Finance minister Arun Jaitley has said there’s scope to merge 12 percent and 18 percent slabs in order to make it more transparent, efficient and tax payer-friendly.The World Bank, in its bi-annual India Development Update released on Wednesday, said there were disruptions surrounding the initial implementation of GST at state administrations.But there is “positive impulse” expected from GST system as its likely to improve the domestic flow of goods and services, contribute to the formalization of the economy and sustainably enhance growth, bank notes.Despite the recent momentum, India will have to address several structural challenges to attain a growth rate of 8 percent and higher on a sustained basis, the World Bank said.The development lender reckons India needs to recover its two lagging engines of growth – private investments and exports – while maintaining its hard-won macroeconomic stability to boost growth.”This will require continued impetus for structural reforms. Resorting to countercyclical policies will not help spur sustained growth and India should not compromise its hard-earned fiscal discipline in order to accelerate growth,” said Poonam Gupta, lead economist and the main author of the report.